October in Japan is a lovely time of year. In the north, trees begin to change colors and further south, the weather is still pleasant enough to enjoy the outdoors. This year, October is especially lovely because there is an additional public holiday! Thanks to the ascension of Emperor Naruhito, we earn an extra day of celebration for his enthronement ceremony. Read on to learn more.

 

 

Health and Sports Day (Taiiku no hi) is held in commemoration of the opening of the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo. Observed on the second Monday of every October, it's a day to promote sporting events and active lifestyles. While technically a public holiday, many schools will hold "Field Days," which are essentially their own mini-Olympics! Students spend a lot of time practicing performances for the day and parents are invited to attend.

 

As a heads up, the holiday will be moved (temporarily) to July next year, to coincide with the 2020 Olympics Opening. It will also officially be renamed "Sports Day."

 

If your child's school isn't hosting a field day event, it's a great day to otherwise take advantage of nice weather. Explore the outdoors without leaving Tokyo in Todoroki Ravine Park! It's right in the middle of Setagaya-ku, but once you're there, you're surrounded by nature. Easy to get to from Shibuya, the lovely trails can take around an hour to navigate and there are plenty of scenic spots along the way.

 

There are also tons of indoor sports facilities in Tokyo. Try rock climbing in Shinagawa, table tennis, batting practice and bowling at Round1 or endless trampoline action at Trampoland.

 

 

 

During Golden Week in May, we unofficially welcomed Emperor Naruhito to the throne. On 22 October, it becomes official! While most of the enthronement ceremony isn't open to the public (dignitaries from all over the world are expected to attend, though), there will be a parade around the Imperial Palace grounds.

 

More than 120,000 people lined the route for Emperor Akihito's parade in 1990 and thousands waited hours to pack the palace grounds in May; it's likely this year's parade will be well-attended as well. Show up early if you want a good view; the Emperor and the royal family will be visible from their motorcade.

 

Before the parade, which is scheduled to take about 30 minutes beginning at 3:30 p.m., you can check out the Science Museum or the Museum of Modern Art near the Imperial Palace. Both offer reduced or free admission for children and are fun ways to sneak in some education ahead of the excitement.

 

However you choose to spend these days away from the office and school, CareFinder is here for you! Search our babysitters today to find the best fit for your family.