Sanno Matsuri
Near: Akasaka (Event is Free)
Event Date(s):
Jun. 6, 2025 • Jun. 7, 2025 • Jun. 8, 2025 • Jun. 9, 2025 • Jun. 10, 2025 • Jun. 11, 2025 • Jun. 12, 2025 • Jun. 13, 2025 • Jun. 14, 2025 • Jun. 15, 2025 • Jun. 16, 2025
Dates are subject to change without notice. Check with the official organizers before making travel arrangements.
The Sanno Matsuri or Sanno Festival (山王祭) is one of the three big festivals held in Tokyo City and takes place during the middle of June, usually from the 7th to the 17th. The highlight of Sanno Matsuri takes place on the weekend that falls between those days which includes a parade where a few hundred people dressed in acient costume parade around Tokyo including the Tokyo Station area, the Ginza and in front of the Diet Builiding. They also carry portable shrines (Mikoshi) that are elaborately decorated. There are also people playing musical instraments, riding horses and dancing. This centers around the Hie Shrine but the parade travels through Tokyo for all to see.
Not only is the parade going on but you may also see various events that coincide with the festival such as Flower Arrangements (Ikebana), seats in gardens to enjoy green tea and one of the most interesting aspects, the Thatch Ring. If you see a Thatch Ring, walk through it but first don't forget to grab a "doll" (sold nearbye) and rub it on your body as you pass through. The doll will absorb all the sins you have commited in the last six months.
2 Chome-10-5 Nagatacho
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0014 Japan
Website: Sanno Matsuri Homepage
