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The 3rd day of the month of November in Tokyo is celebrated as the 'Culture day'. This day is also celebrated as Tokyo Jidai Matsuri, the celebration which showcases the pride of the Japanese culture. The long and eventful history of Tokyo is reflected in the parade which witnesses people dressed in different costumes and representing the reincarnation of the rich history. According to the mythology, an image of Kannon emerged for the Sumida river which was worshipped in the area of Edo castle built around 540 years ago. The area in the Tokyo prefecture named Asasuka had been the selected site where a community around the Sensoji Temple came up and made th event a popular occasion to celebrate. This temple later became the center of attraction and popularity as well. Ironically, though the primitive Tokyo was famous still the region of Asasuka still remains more popular one. As a matter of Asasuka still holds the flavor of the old Edo rather than the modern Tokyo. The festival of Jidai Matsuri brings in the picture of Tokyo's history and rich culture. The 'downtown' area all of a sudden becomes hugely populated and popular during this Matsuri. It was on November 3rd 1999 as part of Tokyo Renaissance an annual event the parade was first organized. The parade reinforced the presence of Asasuka in the modern day Japan. This parade also helped in publicizing the historical and cultural importance of Asasuka. Thereafter the event had been celebrated with great passion every year and presently has attained an International importance. Even in today's 21st century Tokyo this event holds a pivotal position as the day is marked as the 'Culture Day' of Tokyo.
This unique procession is the best way to enjoy a cultural ride of the country's evolution from the Edo era to the modern world. This Matsuri is aptly called as "the festival of ages", depicting the various stages the country has been through. Though this festival makes Tokyo a popular spot among the fun seekers but is still lesser known than the Kyoto Jidai Matsuri, a much older festival. During the Tokyo Jidai Matsuri the whole city undergoes a tremendous change. The whole of the city showcases its traditional past and everyone simply immerse into the joy of the festival. Tokyo derasses up itself to the occasion with loads of floats and other decorative. People of every age, right from the children to their grandfathers, take active part in the parade making it an occasion to remember for ages. Every year the parade follows a new theme which has many new added attractions to treat the locals and the tourists. Dance, music and entertainments make the festival a truly memorable affair. Come to Tokyo in the month of November a feel proud to be a part of Tokyo Jidai Matsuri.
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