Location: Kamoi, Yokosuka City

Enjoy the art at this art museum, which was built on the concept that the environment itself is a museum of art in a prime location surrounded by the ocean and the deep forest of Kanagawa Prefectual Natural Park. It houses over 4,500 pieces of art, mostly modern and contemporary Japanese works.

For details, contact the Yokosuka Museum of Art (Tel: 046-845-1211).

Location: Odawara Castle Park

On May 2 (Wed) there will be a memorial service in front of Godai Hojo's grave and a parade with a troop wearing handmade armor. The main festival will be on May 3 (Thu/GW holiday). The festival includes a kickoff ceremony, an elaborate parade with armor-clad warriors (starts at 13:20) and other events.

For details, contact the Odawara Tourism Association (Tel: 0465-22-5002).

Location: Ichien, Naka-ku, Yokohama

This is a grand parade with more than 4,000 participants and 80 groups, including spectacular floats and marching bands. There is also a kids parade (starts from in front of Yamashita Park at 10:45), a super parade (starts from in front of Yamashita Park at 11:15) and other events.

For details, contact the Yokohama Chamber of Commerce (Tel: 045-671-7423).

Location: Kamiyamaguchi, Hayama Town/Shonan Village Center and other locations

The festival features an exchange seminar, a science show, a piano duet concert, sales of local products, a morning market and other attractions/events.

For details, contact the Shonan Village Association (Tel: 046-855-1802).

Location: Sagami River area in Sagamihara City / Shindo Sports Grounds

This is a famous event that has taken place since the Edo Period to offer prayers for healthy births and bountiful crops. 9 m2 -14.5 m2 kites will be flown at the Shindo Sports Grounds, and 10.8 m2 kites will be flown at the Shimoisobe Arena and the Sandan-no-takishita Grounds.

For details, contact the Sagamihara Tourism Association (Tel: 042-769-8236).

Location: Yuigahama Beach - Yuigahama Park in Kamakura City

There are several early summer events at Kamakura Beach, including sky diving shows, hula dances, live concerts on the beach, jazz performances and sand sculptures (prior application required).

For details, contact the Kamakura Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Tel: 0467-23-2562).

Location: Spa town in Yugawara

The origin of the festival dates back to the Tokugawa period when the hot springs of Yugawara were believed to be a cure-all for diseases. Barrels of water from the hot springs were filled and presented to the successive shoguns. The festival is derived from a ritual ceremony wishing for a safe journey by pouring hot water into the mikoshi (portable shrines). A parade is held where people along the road spiritedly pour hot water into five miniature shrines built from wooden tubs.
The procession departs from Fudotaki at 7 p.m.

For details, contact the Yugawara Onsen Tourism Association (Tel: 0465-64-1234).

Location: Jozenji Temple, Sogayatsu, Odawara City

It is said that after the Soga brothers avenged their father's murder, they burned a pile of umbrellas in commemoration. Young children dress up as the Soga brothers and set fire to old umbrellas in front of their graves. The festival includes an umbrella burning ceremony and a parade in commemoration of the Soga brothers and their retainers.

For details, contact Jozenji Temple (Tel: 0465-42-0140).