April 2004

by Mutsumi Torii

April is the start of new academic and business years in Japan. This is a time of many changes including the blossoming of Cheery and other fruit trees, the advent of mosquito season and the moving and cleaning of many households. Whatever you do and wherever you are, take it easy and enjoy the climate while it is still temperate.

Confectionery Festival at Kitsumoto Shrine in Shimotsu
April 3 11:20 a.m. ~ 3:00 p.m. Info: 073 - 494 - 0083
The shrine is known as the home for the God of mandarin oranges and sweets. After praying for the prosperity of the confectionery industry, sweets from all over Japan will be given as well as rice cakes.

Momoyama Festival at the Townpeoples Ground in Momoyama
April 4 9:30 a.m. ~ 3:00 p.m. Info: 0736 - 66 - 1100
The town of Momoyama is an important peach-growing area. When peach flowers are blooming, one can see 100,000 peach flowers in a single glance. This festival occurs during peach blossoms season. Momoyama Townspeople Ground is a 15-minute walk across the Kinokawa River and south from the Shimoisaka Station on the JR Wakayama line.
Ki Matsuri (Tree Festival) at Idakiso Shrine in
Wakayama City
April 4 11:00 a.m. Info: 073 - 478 - 0006
Ki Matsuri is the spring festival of Idakiso Shrine. This festival is held to pray for the good growth of trees. Many timber dealers of Wakayama and Osaka visit this festival. The shrine is a short walk south from the Idakiso Station on the Nankai Kishigawa line.

Flower Festival at the Kuroda Sango Hachiman Shrine in Shimotsu
April 4 Noon ~ 4:00 p.m. Info: 073 - 492 - 2416
The long sloped approach lined with cherry trees to the shrine is surrounded by a mandarin orange field. It is a perfect place to enjoy cherry blossoms. In the precincts of a temple, there will be some games and rice cake throwing. The main shrine was built in the Muromachi period and is designated as an important cultural property.

3-day Kumano Cycling Race 2004
April 16 Info: 0735 - 44 - 0301
This bicycle race is held all over the Kumano area (Wakayama, Mie, and Nara Prefectures). For more detail, please visit here.

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