October seemed to go by in the blink of an eye! Now, it's almost November and we have a couple more public holidays to look forward to. Keep reading to learn more about Culture Day and Labor Thanksgiving Day!

 

 

Culture Day 

 

Culture Day is celebrated every year on 3 November. Originally held in honor of the emperor's birthday, it officially became Culture Day in 1948 to commemorate the establishment of the new Japanese Constitution.

 

Culture Day is a day to recognize the artistic and academic achievements of people all over Japan. Because it falls on a Sunday this year, schools and offices are closed on Monday, 4 November.

 

 

Many schools and universities will hold cultural festivals and art fairs in celebration of Culture Day. Even if you aren't a parent of a student, these can be fun events to attend.

 

It's also a great day to visit the many amazing museums of Tokyo. Many have discounted or free admission for school-aged children and elderly adults year-round, and the Tokyo National Museum, National Museum of Modern Art and the National Museum of Western Art have free admission for all on 3 November.

 

You might also consider a visit to Hamarikyu Gardens in Shimbashi. This large park is surrounded by a moat and features a large pond in its center. The weather on Culture Day is usually very nice, so a walk through this historic park, which includes a traditional tea house experience, is a great way to both enjoy the sunshine and celebrate the holiday.

 

There are also two large festivals worth checking out. The Meiji Jingu Autumn Grand Festival begins at the shrine on 1 November and includes dancing, Noh performances, poem recitations and horse-back archery [link]. If you want to take a short trip outside of Tokyo for the long weekend, the amazing Hakone Daimyo Festival is a must-see. In addition to the parade full of participants dressed in traditional Edo-area clothing, there is plenty of beautiful fall foliage to enjoy surrounding the picturesque town. 

 

 

 

As the name implies, Labor Thanksgiving Day is a day to celebrate and be thankful for the hard work of those all over Japan. It began as a harvest festival as far back as 585 BC, but following World War II and the establishment of the new Japanese Constitution, it became a holiday to commemorate new rights for the Japanese people.

 

This year, Labor Thanksgiving is on a Saturday, so unfortunately there won't be a day off from work or school. However, you can still celebrate with your family!

 

 

Children will often draw pictures that they will present to local fire fighters and police officers as a special way of saying "thank you." Many may do this in their classrooms, but even so, it's a fun activity for the whole family to take part in for your neighborhood's protectors, as well.

 

While many Westerners, specifically Americans, may think of massive turkey dinners when they hear "Thanksgiving," that tradition isn't observed in Japan. Some families may make it a point to have a meal together and discuss their accomplishments of the year, but Thanksgiving Day in Japan isn't the food fest it is in some other countries.

 

However, if you are yearning for turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and the rest, several restaurants around Tokyo offer meal options. Soul Food House, Blu Jam Cafe, Pink Cow, the Tokyo American Club, the Tysons Company group of restaurants and BLT Steak are just a few to check out. Be sure to make reservations soon; they often book up quickly!