Celebrating 26 Years of Culture: The Kagurazaka Machi-Tobi Festa Begins, Bringing Weeks of Autumn Festivities to Tokyo
On Saturday, October 12, 2024, the "Kagurazaka Machi-Tobi Festa 2024" kicked off in Shinjuku, Tokyo! This festival is a long-term event, lasting for over three weeks, from October 12 to November 3. Known as the "autumn cultural festival of the town," this is the 26th year of the event, attracting many people from both Japan and abroad each year.
Step Back in Time: Kagurazaka Retro Printing Museum Showcases Historical Prints and Family-Friendly Activities
On the opening day of the festival, October 12, the "Kagurazaka Retro Printing Museum" was held in the precincts of Bishamonten Zenkokuji Temple. Rare printed materials from the Meiji, Taisho, and early Showa eras were displayed, providing an opportunity to learn about the history of printing. There were also coloring books and paper airplanes featuring classic patterns from the Meiji and Taisho periods, making it a lively event for families with children.
Join the Fun: Bakeneko Festival 2024 Kicks Off with Parades and Cat-Themed Costumes
Today, October 13 (Sunday), the globally famous "Bakeneko Festival 2024 (Cat costume festival)" will take place. The Bakeneko Parade (Cat Halloween Parade: held at 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM, and 4:30 PM) costs 500 yen for adults (13 years and older), and participation for children is free. Entries are accepted from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Participants are required to dress up with a cat theme. The origin of the Bakeneko Festival is Natsume Soseki’s famous novel "I Am a Cat," as Soseki visited Kagurazaka many times.
Many people lined up for the "Cat Makeup Service" ticket distribution that started at 9:30 AM. Both Japanese and foreign visitors could be seen in line, reflecting the event’s popularity.
Exciting Competitions and Cultural Performances: Garçon Race and Traditional 'Neko Kiriko' Dance Light Up Kagurazaka
Additionally, today features the Garçon Race (from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM), where waiters from local restaurants compete by running down Kagurazaka Street, balancing glasses in their hands. There will also be a traditional circle dance experience called "Neko Kiriko," with dancers from Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture, performing the traditional Kokiriko-bushi Wa-dance at 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 3:00 PM.
I’ll be getting my cat makeup done and joining the Bakeneko Festival myself! I’ll report back on all the excitement tomorrow, so stay tuned!
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How to Access Kagurazaka
The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes from any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.
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