Meiji Jingu Aki no Taisai

This week, Meiji Jingu will be gearing up for one of the biggest events on its calendar, the Aki no Taisai.

Held to commemorate the birth of Emperor Meiji on November 3, the calendar of festivities is chock-full of traditional Japanese staples including taiko drumming, humorous kyogen plays and dance, as well as the annual chrysanthemum exhibition.

For martial arts enthusiasts, check out the displays of kyudo archery, aikido, and the Okinawan kobudo which uses a variety of weapons including six-foot-long wooden staffs, weighted surujin chains and tekko knuckledusters.

One of the most popular events is the demonstration of yabusame, a type of traditional archery where the archers shoot from the back of a galloping horse. This year the exhibition starts from 1p.m. on November 3.

November 1 - 3. Meiji Jingu Shrine, Harajuku. More info online.