CALENDAR OF EVENTS AND FESTIVALS

More complete lists of festivals are here:
http://www.frommers.com/destinations...tID=0229030003

http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/TD/

And here are some things that FTers have mentioned:

Jan

New Year's - National Holiday - People pay homage at shrines in their neighbourhoods.... Businesses tend to be shut..:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=300480

Feb

3/4 - Setsubun -People throw dry soy beans to drive out demons and bring good luck

Early Feb - Sapporo Snow Festival
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showt...+snow+festival

Mar

Cherry blossoms
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=529758

Apr

- Kawasaki Iron Penis Festival (First Sunday in Apr)
- Takayama Matsuri Part 2 - Floats and parade - (Part 1 in April)


29th - Golden Week starts

May

Mid-May - Kanda Matsuri (Tokyo) - Parade in odd-numbered years on the Saturday and Sunday before May 15

Jun

Jul

Through July - Gion Matsuri - Peak of celebration on July 17
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=536831

Aug

Sep

Oct

22/Oct - Kyoto Jidai Matsuri (festival of the ages)
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=462291

22/Oct - Kurama Hi Matsuri (Fire festival in Kurama, near Kyoto)
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=462291

- Takayama Matsuri Part 2 - Floats and parade - (Part 1 in April)

Nov

Dec