Kanda Festival 神田祭

The origins of this festival trace back to the early 17th century when it commemorated Tokugawa Ieyasu's pivotal triumph at the Battle of Sekigahara. Over time, it evolved into a showcase of the Tokugawa shogunate's prosperity during the Edo period. The Kanda Festival takes place at Kanda Shrine in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward. The festival is held every other year in mid-May, odd-numbered years in the Gregorian calendar. Throughout the Edo period, it earned nationwide acclaim and was ranked among Japan's 'Three Great Festivals' as well as the 'Three Great Festivals of Edo.' The festival encompasses a range of activities, including the transfer of deities to portable shrines, joint processions by parishioner town associations, traditional performances, and a grand ceremony where all shrine priests participate in the service.

• Shinkosai - Deity Procession

  The Shinkosai, a sacred event at the shrine, occurs on a Saturday close to May 15th. In the morning, a procession commences from the shrine, featuring participants dressed in Heian-period clothing. The procession proceeds with solemnity, and its ranks include four young women donned in Miko (shrine maiden) and Otome (pottery maiden) attire, gracefully adding flowers to the scene. Subsequently, a pause is taken, and ceremonial rituals are performed near the Ryogoku Old Temporary Shelter. Upon reaching the Mitsukoshi Main Store, additional festivities are incorporated, such as the Mikoshi (portable shrine), float procession, and warrior parades.

• Mikoshimiyairi - Arrival of Portable Shrines

  This is a community event held in every neighborhood on the day immediately following the Shinkosai. In each neighborhood, a united assembly of portable shrine bearers is formed, and they embark on a tour of their respective areas before ultimately gathering at the shrine at a prearranged time. A considerable number of bearers can be seen clad in fundoshi, traditional Japanese attire, while certain districts treat spectators to captivating Te-odori, hand dances.

• Reitaisai - Annual Festival

  This dignified occasion occurs annually on May 15th. During this event, shrine maidens elegantly perform the traditional Urayasu dance in their complete ceremonial attire. However, in the event that May 15th falls on a Sunday, precedence is granted to the Mikoshimiyairi, and the timetable for the Reitaisai is accordingly rescheduled.

• Taiko Festival - Drum Festival

  Taking place concurrently with the Shinkosai and Mikoshimiyairi, this event unfolds on a dedicated stage within the neighbouring Miyamoto Park. Here, numerous Taiko drum ensembles hailing from the Kanto region and beyond showcase their performances until evening. The program also features the Chigo-mai, a dance performed by shrine maidens, alongside other captivating acts.