Kanda Matsuri is one of the most famous and important festivals in Tokyo, Japan. It is held in mid-May, usually during the weekend closest to May 15th, in odd-numbered years. Kanda Matsuri dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868). It is associated with the Kanda Myojin Shrine, dedicated to the Edo area’s guardian deities: Daikokuten, Ebisu, and Taira no Masakado.
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Main Highlight:
Kanda Matsuri is a celebration of prosperity, good fortune, and the well-being of Tokyo’s residents. The festival consists of various events and activities, with the main highlights being the Shinko-sai and the Jinko-sai.
- Shinko-sai (神幸祭): This is the main procession of Kanda Matsuri, which takes place on Saturday. The procession involves carrying three portable shrines (mikoshi) that house the deities through the streets of Tokyo. Accompanied by priests, musicians, and performers, the parade starts at the Kanda Myojin Shrine and winds through the city, with participants wearing traditional attire.
- Jinko-sai (神幸祭): Held on Sunday, this event sees around 200 neighborhood mikoshi parading through the streets of Tokyo. The mikoshi are carried by local residents who energetically bounce them up and down, creating a lively atmosphere.
Kanda Matsuri general schedule:
May 11th – May 17th 2023
- Opening Ceremony (Start of the festival): The festival usually begins with an opening ceremony, including prayers and rituals, at the Kanda Myojin Shrine.
- Mikoshi Purification (1-2 days before the main procession): Portable shrines called mikoshi are purified in preparation for the parade.
- Shinko-sai (Main Procession): Typically held on a Saturday, the main procession involves the three main mikoshis carrying the deities from Kanda Myojin Shrine through the streets of Tokyo, accompanied by priests, musicians, and performers.
- Jinko-sai (Neighborhood Mikoshi Procession): This event takes place on a Sunday and features around 200 neighborhood mikoshi paraded through the streets of Tokyo by local residents.
- Traditional Performances and Cultural Activities: Throughout the festival, there will be various traditional dance and music performances as well as other cultural activities.
- Closing Ceremony: The festival concludes with a closing ceremony at Kanda Myojin Shrine.
Cultural Activities:
Other events during the Kanda Matsuri include traditional dance performances, music, and various cultural activities. In addition, food stalls line the streets, offering delicious local cuisine and snacks for visitors to enjoy.
Kanda Matsuri is a fascinating and vibrant event that showcases Tokyo’s rich cultural heritage and is definitely worth experiencing if you have the opportunity to visit Tokyo during the festival.
Admission: Free
Time: 10:00 – 21:00
How to get to Kanda Myojin Shrine?
Kanda Myojin Shrine is located in the Chiyoda ward of Tokyo, Japan. To get there using public transportation, follow these steps:
- By Train: The closest train stations to Kanda Myojin Shrine are Ochanomizu Station and Akihabara Station. Here’s how to reach the shrine from each station:
- From Ochanomizu Station (JR Chuo Line, JR Sobu Line, and Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line): Take the Hijiribashi Exit and walk for about 5 minutes in the eastward direction. The shrine will be on your left.
- From Akihabara Station (JR Yamanote Line, JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, JR Sobu Line, and Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line): Walk for about 10 minutes in the westward direction. The shrine will be on your right.
- By Subway: The nearest subway station to Kanda Myojin Shrine is Suehirocho Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line. From Suehirocho Station, take Exit 3, and walk for about 7-8 minutes in the northwest direction. The shrine will be on your left.
Remember that train and subway schedules may change, so it’s better to check the most recent timetables before embarking on your journey. Additionally, a navigation app like Google Maps can be helpful in finding your way to Kanda Myojin Shrine.
Address:
2 Chome-16-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021, Japan
Official website: