Festivals

January

Hatsumode (Beginning of January)

The tradition of visiting shrines and temples at the beginning of the year to wish for happiness and health is called Hatsumode. Some people visit their local shrine or temple, while others journey to more famous locations which accommodate thousands of visitors during the new year holidays. In Chiyoda, Hie, Kanda and Yasukuni shrines attract many visitors during this time.

February

Setsubun (at Kanda and Hie Shrines on Feb. 3)

On the day before Risshun (the first day of spring) according to the lunar calendar, people throw soybeans to expel evil spirits and welcome happiness.

Inner Moat Long-Distance Relay Race (Feb. 11)

The designated course for these events is around the Imperial Palace. There are two events, one is a 5 km. (3.1 miles) race for the general public and high school students and the other is a 2 or 3 km. (1.2 or 1.9 miles) race for women and junior high school students. For information concerning participation, call the Sports Promotion Division at 3256-8444.

April

Cherry Blossom Festival (at Yasukuni, Chidorigafuchi Moat Path and Kanda Shrines in early April)

This is an annual event held when cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The festival offers a variety of attractions including a plant market at Yasukuni Shrine, Kanda Shrine and Chidorigafuchi Moat Path. Please enjoy while viewing cherry blossoms.

Spring Festival at Yasukuni Shrine (Apr. 21-23)

From Kudanshita Station, go through Japan’s largest shrine gate to get to Yasukuni Shrine. The shrine was built in 1869 to worship Japanese soldiers who died in battle. On festival days in April, a number of rituals are performed and the shrine is open to the public until 9:00 p.m

Festival at Hirakawa Shrine (Apr. 24-25)

Built in 1478 by Ota Dokan, this shrine, located on the Edo Castle grounds, is dedicated to Sugawara Michizane, popularly known as a deity of education. The shrine was originally built by Ota Dokan, who also built the Edo Castle.

May

In the past, this festival was held on September 15 to celebrate the day when Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, won the battle of Sekigahara. The shogun honored this festival with his presence, making it the festival of the nation. Today, the main festival is held in every other year to the Sanno Festival. Large-sized mikoshi (portable shrines) are paraded during both the Kanda and Sanno festivals and attract big crowds.

Yanagimori Shrine Festival (Preceding/following Saturday and Sunday around May 15)

Located adjacent to the Kanda River near Akihabara, this shrine is dedicated to the raccoon dog. It is believed that the raccoon dog at this shrine is beneficial in the advancement of people’s lives.

Misaki Shrine Festival (May 9)

Located near Suidobashi Station, this shrine is surrounded by tall ginkgo trees. It was originally built as the Inari Shrine (a fox guardian deity) of the Kanda River which runs near the shrine. On May 9, there is a mikoshi parade.

Otahime Shrine Festival (May 14-15)

This shrine was built by Ota Dokan to protect his daughter from a smallpox epidemic.

June

Sanno Festival at Hie Shrine (beginning to mid-June)

During the Edo period, this shrine became famous as the Tokugawa clan family shrine and its festival was one of the three biggest festivals of Edo (today’s Tokyo). Today, the main Sanno Festival is held every other year with mikoshi from local communities participating and a parade of people dressed in ancient costumes making their way around the Imperial Palace.

Japanese Iris Exhibition at Yasukuni Shrine (late Jun.)

Potted Japanese irises are exhibited on the Yasukuni Shrine grounds.

July

Early Bon Dance (Jul. 13-16)

This is the earliest bon dance held in Tokyo every year. The dance is held at Yasukuni Shrine with street vendors setting up booths.

Lanterns offered on the water is a Japanese custom to console the spirits of the dead. Seven hundred lanterns floating in the moat of Chidorigafuchi has become a popular scene representing the arrival of the summer season.

Mitama Festival at Yasukuni Shrine (Jul. 13-16)

The path to the shrine is decorated with lanterns bearing letters written by well-known people. A Japanese traditional dance, Noh play and other rituals are also performed.

August

Tokyo Evening Noh at Hie Shrine (early August)

A special Noh platform is set up on the Hie Shrine grounds and Noh and Kyogen are performed. Admission is charged and reservations are required.

October

Chiyoda City’s Event

At the Residents’ Festival held in fall various events are conducted including the Residents’ Cultural Festival offering performances of Japanese traditional folk art, a concert by the Chiyoda Residents Orchestra, exhibitions of paintings, pottery and other items made by residents, and the Chiyoda Residents’ Sports Event.

Chrysanthemum Exhibit at Yasukuni Shrine (mid-Oct. to mid-Nov.)

Potted chrysanthemums and bonsai trees are exhibited on the Yasukuni Shrine grounds.

Kanda Sports Festival (early October)

This annual festival is held at the sports goods stores district along Ogawamachi, Surugadaishita and Awajicho areas. Wagon sales and other various events are held.

This is an annual book fair in which used bookstores located between Kanda-Jinbocho and Surugadaishita sell books at bargain prices. Many people looking for rare and old books look forward to this event every year.