The feast of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is celebrated on March 17, a day when "everyone is Irish" and join in the fun and festivities garbed in something emerald green, Ireland's, national color. In Tokyo, the St. Patrick's Day Parade was held along Omotesando Dori from 1:00 -3:00 p.m. Parade spectators were not disappointed. In the parade, you can find all things Irish: leprechauns, druids, rugby players, Guiness beer, bagpipes, Irish Setters and Irish Wolfhounds and lots and lots of shamrocks. Several marching bands, dancers and performers further enlivened the event. Started in 1992 by the Irish Network Japan with the endorsement of the Embassy of Ireland, to promote Irish culture in Japan.
Getting there
The parade was held along the length of Omotesando Dori and there were plenty of viewing spots along the parade route. Omotesando Dori can easily be accessed from the following stations: Meiji-jingumae (Chiyoda/Fukutoshin), Omotesando (Hanzomon/Ginza/Chiyoda), Yoyogi-koen (Chiyoda) or Harajuku (JR).
