Location: Bayside Area (Minato Mirai district), Mother Port Area (Around Yokohama Station and in the Yamashita and Yamate neighborhoods), and Hillside Area (Beside Yokohama Zoological Gardens “Zoorasia”)

The year 2009 marks the 150th anniversary of the 1859 opening of the Port of Yokohama. To commemorate this anniversary, the city of Yokohama is sponsoring “EXPO Y150,” a grand exposition focusing on the history and attractions of the city, based on the theme “Set Sail.” There will be many interesting events such as the giant spectacle art group “La Machine,” which is famous worldwide. They will bring their street theater to Japan for the first time and a giant “earth balloon,” approximately 20 meters in diameter, will float in the night sky above Yokohama.

Location: Suigotana, Sagamihara-City/Upstream from the Takadabashi Bridge

An exhilarating event where 5 wires are strung across the Sagami-gawa river, and approximately 1,200 carp streamers are strung from them and flown above the river. While the carp streamers are hanging, various shops and refreshment booths will also be open.

For details, contact the Sagamihara Tourism Association (Tel: 042-769-8236) or the Tana Branch Office (Carp Streamer Executive Committee) (Tel: 042-761-0056)

Location: Odawara Joshi Park and other locations, Odawara-City

On Saturday the 2nd, there will be a memorial service in front of Hojo Godai’s grave and a handmade armor parade. The main festival will be held on the 3rd (holiday). Events include a warrior departure ceremony, bands, warrior groups, large-scale townspeople parade, warrior homecoming ceremony, and returning ceremony.

For details, contact the Odawara-City Tourist Association (Tel: 0465-22-5002)

Location: Around Naka-Ward, Yokohama-City

A large parade (approximately 4,000 people in 80 groups) featuring extravagant floats, marching bands, and other attractions will be held. 2009 marks 150 years since the Port of Yokohama was opened, and this event expresses the history of the Yokohama that our predecessors built and that modern Japanese people developed, as well as hopes for a new era. Events include an opening ceremony, kids parade, and “super” parade. A “super exhibition” will also be held.

For more information, contact the International Costume Parade (Tel: 0180-99-4045, available from 1 week before the event)

Location: Kasenjiki, Araiso area, Sagami-gawa River, Sagamihara-City/Shindo Sports Hiroba

In this ritual handed down from the Edo period to pray for the birth of children and abundant harvests, giant kites (from approximately 9.0 to 14.5 square meters) are flown by the Sagami-gawa River in the Araiso area. In addition, approximately 1,200 carp streamers will be flown over the Sagami-gawa River at Suigotana.

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

Location: Mikasa Park, Yokosuka-City

Enjoy shops and buffets featuring Yokosuka Naval Curry. Shops selling Yokosuka’s famous gourmet, agricultural, and marine products will also be available. Other events include curry from various cities and areas, sightseeing information, musical performances, street performances, and a “temple festival” area.

For details, contact the Yokosuka-City Department of Economics and Tourism (Tel: 046-822-9672)

Location: Yuigahama Beach to Yuigahama Park, Kamakura-City

A wide variety of fun early summer events will take place at the beach in Kamakura. Opening events, band performances, Yosakoi dancing, and street dances will be held on Saturday the 16th. Events planned for both days include skydiving shows, hula dances, beach concerts, jazz performances, and sand sculptures.

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

Location: Yugawara Spa Town, Yugawara-Town

The origin of this festival dates back to the Tokugawa period, when water from the hot springs of Yugawara, which was said to cure diseases, was put in barrels and presented to shogun families. This festival recreates a ceremony where water was poured to pray for travel safety. A parade is held where people along the road spiritedly pour hot water into five mikoshi (portable shrines) built from wooden tubs.

For details, contact the Yugawara Spa Tourist Association (Tel: 0465-64-1234)