Tokyo Calendar and Events Many of Tokyo`s festivals, drawn from ancient roots, are scheduled according to the lunar calendar. That many of these celebrations are religious in origin should not discourage visitors from experiencing and enjoying them. Although many of Japan`s holidays remain fixed from year to year, some are subject to change and should be confirmed. If you`re dialing the Tokyo phone numbers listed below from outside Japan, you must first dial your country`s international access code, then Japan`s country code, 81, then Tokyo`s city code, 3. The 24-hour Teletourist Service provides a weekly taped message (in English) about events taking place in Tokyo. Phone 3201-2911. Information in this calendar is subject to change and should be confirmed. SEPTEMBER Mid SeptemberTsurugaoka Hachimangu Festival. Honors the god of war, with archers displaying their skill while astride galloping horses. In Kamakura, about an hour from Tokyo on the JR Yokosuka line (depart from Tokyo Station). 15 SepRespect for Aged Day. Public holiday. 15-27 SepOpera. Puccini`s Turandot. Opera House, New National Theatre, 1-1-1 Honcho, Shibuya-ku (near the Hatsudai Station on the Keio line). For tickets, call 5352-9999. http://www.nntt.jac.go.jp. 23 SepAutumnal Equinox Day. Public holiday. 28-30 SepDance. "Dance Planet No. 9," a program of two contemporary dance pieces: Metamorphosis and Signs: Landmark. The Pit, New National Theatre, 1-1-1 Honcho, Shibuya-ku (near the Hatsudai Station on the Keio line). For tickets, call 5352-9999. http://www.nntt.jac.go.jp. Throughout SeptemberBaseball. Tokyo has four professional teams, based either at the Tokyo Dome (phone 3811-2122) or the Jingu Ballpark (phone 3404-8999). The most popular team is the Yomiuri Giants, and tickets for their games sell out the day they go on sale (a month in advance). Your best bet would be to pick up a ticket for one of the less popular teams, such as the Nippon Ham Fighters or the Yakuli Swallows (which can be obtained at the stadium on the day of the game). For advance tickets, ask your hotel`s front desk or concierge or a travel agent for help. You can also buy a ticket at one of the many ticket agencies downtown, including those in many Lawson convenience stores (phone 3569-9900). Continues through late November. OCTOBER 8 OctSports Day. Public holiday. 12-18 OctDance. The New National Theatre Ballet performs Romeo and Juliet. Opera House, New National Theatre, 1-1-1 Honcho, Shibuya-ku (near the Hatsudai Station on the Keio line). For tickets, call 5352-9999. http://www.nntt.jac.go.jp. Mid OctoberOeshiki Festival. A Buddhist festival characterized by a procession toward the Hommonji Temple. Participants carry large lanterns decorated with paper flowers. Late OctoberTokyo International Film Festival. International feature films compete for awards at this well-regarded festival. For dates and schedules, call 3563-6305. Continues through early November. Throughout OctoberBaseball. Tokyo has four professional teams, based either at the Tokyo Dome (phone 3811-2122) or the Jingu Ballpark (phone 3404-8999). The most popular team is the Yomiuri Giants, and tickets for their games sell out the day they go on sale (a month in advance). Your best bet would be to pick up a ticket for one of the less popular teams, such as the Nippon Ham Fighters or the Yakuli Swallows (which can be obtained at the stadium on the day of the game). For advance tickets, ask your hotel`s front desk or concierge or a travel agent for he
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