Tokai is an area located to the southwest of Tokyo, the capitol of Japan, and faces the Pacific Ocean. In this article, we’re introducing events that involve summer pastime activities, such as fireworks and fireflies. Overseas visitors can get an early taste of summer in the Tokai region.

Contemporary Art Events

1. [Aichi] Firework Festival 2018 in Laguna Beach ~Fireworks, Music, and Food~ June 9, 2018


source:twitter

Firework Festival 2018 in Laguna Beach ~Fireworks, Music, and Food~ is an event that harnesses the power of music and fireworks. It’s a unique celebration that combines three activities – fireworks, music, and food – and is sure to make for a memorable experience for overseas visitors. The fireworks leverage local techniques and methods, which have been refined over a span of 400 years and highlight local craftsmanship and expertise. The event will feature famous and unique artists, whom will energize the stage. Purchase a special viewing ticket and you’ll have unlimited access to various attractions, in addition to the music and fireworks.

Schedule

・Event Date and Time
June 9, 2018 15:00~21:00
・Scheduled Programs During Event
Lagunasia opens at 10:00
Firework festival opens at 15:00
Show time starts at 19:00

Access and Address

・Location
Laguna Beach, Gamagori-shi, Aichi prefecture
・Directions and Travel Time from Closest Station
15 minutes on shuttle bus from Gamagori station
・Directions and Travel Time from Closest Hub Station
40 minutes by train and bus from Toyohashi station

Kaiyo-cho, Gamagori-shi, Aichi prefecture
・Map

Admission and Reservation

Individual Support SS Seat 7500 yen
Individual Support Beach Seat for one 4000 yen; for four 14800 yen
Individual Support Chair Seat for one 4200 yen; for four 15600 yen
Wheelchair seat 4200 yen
Reservations are not required

Official Website

http://hanabifes.jp

2. [Aichi] Marvel Age of Heroes Exhibition March 17, 2018 through June 10, 2018

“Marvel Age of Heroes” is an exhibit showcasing the world and characters of Marvel Comics. At the event, you’ll encounter world-famous characters like the web manipulating Spiderman and the power-suit wearing Ironman. In particular, the section displaying the various power suits worn through the ages by Ironman is worth a look. The exhibit focuses on the history of Marvel and the heroes’ daily lives – the exhibit has an impressive amount of content. They use the latest, eye-popping technology to provide commentary regarding the displayed items. This event is a must for overseas visitors, whom want to immerse themselves in the world of superheroes.

Schedule

・Event Date and Time
March 17 through June 10, 2018
9:30~17:00

・Scheduled Programs During Event
None

Access and Address

・Location
Nagoya City Science Museum
・Directions and Travel Time from Closest Station
11-minute walk from Fushimi station
・Directions and Travel Time from Closest Hub Station
15 minutes on train and foot from Nagoya station

・Address
2-17-1 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya-shi
・Map

Admission and Reservation

Tickets on the day: general 1,200 yen; high school and university students 700 yen; elementary and middle school students 500 yen
Pre-sale tickets: general 1,000 yen; high school and university students 500 yen; elementary and middle school students 300 yen
Reservations are not required, but visitors can reserve ahead of time via Loppi at Lawson or Ministop.

Official Website

http://www.event-chunichi.com/marvel/

Nature Events

3. [Shizuoka] Hattasan Soneiji Firefly Festival June 2nd and 3rd, 2018


source:hattasan

An event featuring the glow of fireflies, Hattasan Soneiji Firefly Festival, will be held at Hattasan Soneiji in Fukuroi-shi, Shizuoka prefecture, which is situated to the southwest of Tokyo. Fireflies are known for communicating via lights emitting from their bodies. Come nighttime, countless numbers of the glowing insects illuminate the darkness. This spectacle is the highlight of this event. The event will also educate visitors about the ecology of fireflies. Additionally, you can sample a traditional snack called dango at the event for free.

Schedule

・Event Date and Time
May 26th and 27th, 2018 and June 2nd and 3rd, 2018
18:00〜21:00
・Scheduled Programs During Event
School of Fireflies; food stalls; carnival games; free dango

18:00〜21:00

Access and Address

・Location
In front of the dango store in Hattasan Soneiji; Firefly Park
・Directions and Travel Time from Closest Station
15-minute walk from Hattasan Bus Stop

・Directions and Travel Time from Closest Hub Station
1 hour on train and bus from Kakegawa station

・Address
2777 Toyosawa, Fukuroi-shi, Shizuoka prefecture
・Map

Admission and Reservation

Free and reservations are not required

Official Website

http://www.hattasan.or.jp/newwp/archives/1188

4. [Mie] Ise Jingu Geku Irises at Magatama Ike Late May 2018 through Early June 2018

Jingu are shrines that worship the family of the head of state i.e., the emperor. Ise Jingu is a particularly esteemed shrine out of the numerous jingu. An event called the “Irises of Magatamaike” will be held at the Geku area of Ise Jingu, which pays respects to the god of harvest. Come June, visitors can see beautiful irises at Magatamaike, which is named after the shape of magatama, a traditional Japanese power stone. The sight of irises blooming across the pond is magical. The flowers are beautiful regardless of the weather and signifies the start of summer. Tourists visiting Ise Jingu should certainly reserve time for taking in the beautiful irises.

Schedule

・Event Date and Time
Late May to Late June 2018
5:00〜19:00
・Scheduled Programs During Event
None

Access and Address

・Location
Ise Jingu Geku
・Directions and Travel Time from Closest Station
10-minute walk from Iseshi station
・Directions and Travel Time from Closest Hub Station
1 hour and 30 minutes by train and foot from Nagoya station
・Address
279 Toyokawa-cho, Ise-shi, Mie prefecture
・Map

Admission and Reservation

Free and reservations are not required

Official Website

http://www.isejingu.or.jp/sp/

Historical and Traditional Culture Events

5. [Gifu] Tango-no-Sekku in Hida May 1, 2018 through June 5, 2018

“Tango-no-Sekku” in Hida is an important ritual in Japan to pray for the healthy growth of boys. Hida is located to the east of the Japanese alps, a mountain range with peaks reaching 3,000 plus meters. Come festival time, koinobori or carp-shaped windsocks and kabuto (samurai helmets) are displayed. Visitors can see a particularly large koinobori at the historic site of Nishioka-ke; the koinobori measures 9.5 meters long, which is roughly double the size of a standard koinobori. You’ll be astonished at the size when you see it in person. Alternatively, visitors can observe the unique rice planting process in Hida. Rice planting is an important task for the production of rice, a primary food source for the Japanese. There aren’t many chances to see rice planting in Hida, so take the opportunity and visit on May 20th.

Schedule

・Event Date and Time
May 1 through June 5, 2018 8:30〜17:00
・Scheduled Programs During Event
Rice Planting of Kurumada
May 20, 2018 10:00〜12:00

Hida Takayama Jazz Festival
May 26, 2018 14:00〜2:00

Unison of Shamisen and Taiko
May 3, 2018 11:00〜11:30/13:30〜14:00

Access and Address

・Location
Hida-no-sato
・Directions and Travel Time from Closest Station
10-minute walk from Mahikari Sohonzan-mae bus stop
・Directions and Travel Time from Closest Hub Station
3 hours on train and bus from Nagoya station
・Address
1-590 Kamiokamoto-machi, Takayama-shi, Gifu prefecture
・Map

Admission and Reservation

Adults 700 yen; elementary and middle school students 200 yen
Reservations are not required

Official Website

http://www.hidanosato-tpo.jp/event.html