The Kachiya Matsuri, or Kachiya Festival, is a celebration of Heian court bureaucrat Fujiwara Hidesato’s prayer for victory. The festival dates back to Hidesato’s offering of his bow and arrow to the shrine after successfully quelling an uprising spearheaded by samurai rebel Taira Masakado.
The name of the festival came from this bow and arrow offering event. Literally, ‘Kachiya’ means ‘winning arrow.’
Table of Contents
History of the Kachiya Matsuri:
The Kachiya Festival is an annual festival held in Tokyo’s Koto Ward during Golden Week, commemorating the victory of the Heian court bureaucrat Fujiwara no Hidesato over samurai rebels Taira no Masakado in 1093. Taira couldn’t accept some policies and went against the imperial court.
The festival is held at the Kameido Katori Shrine, believed to have been founded by Fujiwara Hidesato after his victory. The festival is a celebration of his prayer for victory and features traditional Japanese dancing and music, as well as Yabusame (horseback archery) and other traditional events. It is one of the most popular Edo-style samurai festivals in Tokyo, attracting crowds of tourists and locals alike.
Date of the Kachiya festival:
May 5 is the Kachiya Festival.
The Kachiya Matsuri is held annually at the Kameido Katori Shrine in Tokyo’s Koto Ward during Golden Week on May 5. The festival has numerous activities, including traditional dance and music performances, sake tastings, food stalls, and traditional processions.
In addition, the participants gather and do a 2 km long Samurai Parade. The Samurai Parade starts from Kameido Station and finishes at Kameido Katori Shrine.
Expectation at the Kachiya Matsuri:
The Kachiya Festival is a traditional Japanese festival held annually in honor of the Heian court bureaucrat Fujiwara no Hidesato and his prayer for victory. This centuries-old event takes place each year on May 5 with various activities.
The main attractions of the Kachiya Matsuri are the traditional matsuri dances and parades. The highlight of these parades is the display of Hidesato’s bow and arrow, which he offered to the Katori Shrine after his victory in battle. Other activities during the festival include traditional martial arts demonstrations, firework displays, and offerings of food and drinks to the gods.
The most iconic event of the Kachiya Matsuri is the gathering of the local youth for the ‘Kachiya Procession,’ where they carry a large wooden pillar through the streets as a representation of Hidesato’s prayer for victory. As they pass through, they sing folk songs and perform traditional Japanese dances in celebration.
Visitors to the Kachiya Matsuri can also expect to find a wide variety of souvenir and food stalls and other entertainment, including music and street performances. There is something for everyone at the Kachiya Matsuri, so be sure to check it out if you’re ever in the area!
Getting involved in the Kachiya Matsuri:
You can also purchase souvenirs from local vendors specializing in traditional Japanese crafts and foods. These vendors offer items such as kimonos, pottery, wooden dolls, and more. Many of these items are decorated with images of Hidesato and Masakado, providing an excellent opportunity to learn about their history.
No matter how you choose to be involved, the Kachiya Festival is a great way to experience a unique part of Japan’s Japan’s history and culture.
Admission: free
Access:
Nearest Station:
# Kameido Station(JR Sobu Line)
10 minutes walk
# Omurai Station(Tobu Kameido Line)
10 minutes walk
Note: It’s only five minutes on foot from Kameido Tenjin Shrine, which is believed to bring good luck for students in their middle school entrance examinations.
Address:
Kameido Katori Shrine, 3-57-22 Kameido, Koto Ward, Tokyo, Japan
Official website: