Various festivals are held throughout the year in Chiba.
Japanese people get excited when they hear the festival music. You are strongly recommended to participate in various festivals and experience this feeling unique to the Japanese. In addition to the festivals described below, many more festivals are held at various places within the prefecture throughout the year.
December
Ajiki Tori-no-ichi (Sakae-cho) Three days from the first Day of the Cock in DecemberIt is known as the oldest Tori-no-ichi (Cock Fair) in Kanto, and roadside stands selling Kumade (bamboo rake) line up around Ohtori Shrine. Such events as rice cake scattering and flee market are held.
January
Shishi-mai and Kuroshi-daiko (Kujyukuri-machi) January-FebruaryShishi-mai (Shishi Kagura (lion dance)) and Kakko-mai are performed in various areas of the town.
February
Ume Festival (Narita City) Sundays and national holidays from the middle of February till the middle of March/Naritasan ParkNaritasan Park known for Ume blossoms has 450 red and white plum trees, and Nodate (outdoor tea ceremony) is held in the plum orchard above Bunshu Pond by Omotesenke Narita City Tea Ceremony Association on Sundays and national holidays. In the western garden under Heiwa Daito (Big Tower of Peace), amazake (sweet drink made from fermented rice) is served free of charge and Haiku lovers meeting is held.
Katsuura Big Doll Festival (Katsuura City) Late on February-Early in March/Katsuura Citizen Hall, etc.March/Naritasan ParkAbout 20,000 hina dolls are displayed in various places in the city, primarily in the citizen hall. Dances are performed, parades are staged, and other elaborated events are held during the period. Especially overwhelming are the dolls lined closely to each other on the 60 stone steps on the premises of Tomi-misaki Shrine.
