Kanda Festival 2026 in Tokyo: Dates, Events, and Access

Kanda Matsuri: One of Japan's Three Great Shrine Festivals

The Zuishinmon Gate of Kanda Myojin Shrine. Photo by Pixta

The Kanda Festival is a festival held at Kanda Myojin Shrine, which is located near Tokyo's Akihabara district. Along with Kyoto's Gion Festival and Osaka's Tenjin Festival, it is considered one of Japan's three major festivals.

The Kanda Festival consists of two main events: the Main Festival (Hon-matsuri) held in odd-numbered years and the Shadow Festival (Kage-matsuri) held in even-numbered years. However, when people refer to the Kanda Festival, they typically mean the lively Main Festival.

2026 is the year of the Shadow Festival, which means that the large procession through the city will not be held.

However, there will be sacred rituals at Kanda Myojin Shrine and local mikoshi (portable shrine) processions. We highly recommend visiting during this time to experience these authentic traditions firsthand.

• Table of Contents
• Kanda Festival's Historical Background
• Highlights of Kanda Matsuri Festival
• 1. The Shinko-Sai Procession
• 2. Mikoshi Miyairi: 100 Portable Shrines Gathering at Kanda Myojin Shrine
• 3. Other Events at the Kanda Festival
• Watch Kanda Matsuri in Nihonbashi

Kanda Festival's Historical Background

Kanda Myojin Shrine. Photo by Pixta

The Kanda Festival, also known as the Tenka Matsuri (Unification Festival), has its origins tied to Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543-1616), who founded the Edo Shogunate (*1). Before going to battle with other warlords, it is said that Ieyasu always had his retainers pray for victory at Kanda Myojin Shrine.

After successfully unifying the country, Tokugawa Ieyasu showed gratitude to Kanda Myojin Shrine by making significant donations, including impressive shrine buildings and portable shrines. With Ieyasu's support, the festivals held at the shrine became the grand events they are today.

*1 The Edo Shogunate: the period from 1603 to 1867 when the Tokugawa family ruled Japan. Also known as the Edo period, it was initiated by the first shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu, and lasted until the 15th shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, who returned power to Emperor Meiji in 1868.

Highlights of Kanda Matsuri Festival

From the grand processions through the city streets to the traditional attire of the participants, the Kanda Festival offers a fascinating glimpse into the spirit of Edo.

It is a rare opportunity to see the cultural heritage of old Tokyo still thriving in the modern capital today.

1. The Shinko-Sai Procession

© Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau

A premier highlight of the Kanda Festival is the Shinko-sai, a grand procession featuring approximately 500 participants dressed in elegant attire from the Heian period (794–1185).

Departing from Kanda Myojin Shrine, the parade winds through a fascinating cross-section of Tokyo—moving from the neon-lit electronics district of Akihabara to the towering glass office blocks of Marunouchi and Otemachi.

The sight of these ancient costumes set against the backdrop of a high-tech modern city is truly unforgettable.

Photo by Pixta

The Shinko-sai procession features three grand portable shrines—the Ichinomiya Horen, Ninomiya Mikoshi, and Sannomiya Horen—which carry the guardian deities of Kanda Myojin Shrine. As they are paraded through the neighborhood, these deities are said to purify and bless the surrounding districts.

A major highlight of the procession is the array of eccentric floats. These are often unique to the Kanda Festival, featuring striking replicas like a giant catfish (traditionally believed to cause earthquakes) or a menacing ogre’s head.

The lively groups pulling these floats are known as the Tsukematsuri. Because the themes and floats vary from year to year, there is always something new and surprising to see!

2. Mikoshi Miyairi: 100 Portable Shrines Gathering at Kanda Myojin Shrine

© Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau

Following the Shinko-sai procession, the festival reaches a fever pitch with the Mikoshi Miyairi. During this event, approximately 100 mikoshi (portable shrines) from the surrounding neighborhoods converge on Kanda Myojin Shrine.

The atmosphere is electric as participants clad in traditional happi coats carry the heavy shrines through the streets.

You may see some men in fundoshi (traditional loincloths), and keep an eye out for the Tekomai—male geishas whose elegant presence leads the processions, adding a unique touch of historical grace to the high-energy festivities.

*2 Happi: a traditional Japanese garment primarily worn during festivals. It is a hip-length coat worn over the body similar to a kimono.

3. Other Events at the Kanda Festival

Events such as the Horen Mikoshi Senzasai, where the deity of Kanda Myojin Shrine is transferred to a portable shrine, and ritual dance performance by miko shrine maidens during the Reitaisai are some of the highlights of the Main Festival.

The atmosphere can be solemn or festive depending on the day you attend.

Watch Kanda Matsuri in Nihonbashi

During the Shinko-Sai procession, individuals dressed in period costumes depart from Kanda Myojin Shrine, while the group participating in the Tsukematsuri departs from Arima Elementary School, starting from different locations.

Both groups converge in front of the Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store around 16:30. This is the best spot to witness the procession at its liveliest. However, it tends to get crowded, so it's advisable to arrive early and be prepared to wait.

If you're in Tokyo in May 2027, visit Nihonbashi to watch the impressive procession of Kanda Matsuri.

Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store

Address: Tokyo, Chuo, Nihonbashi Muromachi 1-4-1 Google Map
Directions: Right outside exit A5 of Mitsukoshimae Station on the Ginza Line.

Kanda Myojin (Kanda Shrine)

2-16-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021

Main image by Pixta