Kanda Matsuri (Tokyo)

The Kanda Matsuri is a festival that takes place in Tokyo every other year, in odd-numbered years. It is one of the three largest festivals in Tokyo and is a celebration of the Kanda Myojin Shrine, which is located in the Chiyoda ward of Tokyo. The festival has a history that dates back over 400 years and is a symbol of Tokyo's rich cultural heritage.

The festival is known for its massive portable shrines, which are called mikoshi. There are over 200 mikoshi that are carried through the streets of Tokyo during the festival. The mikoshi are decorated with intricate designs and are carried by groups of men dressed in traditional clothing.

The Kanda Matsuri takes place over the course of an entire week in mid-May, with the main events taking place on the Saturday and Sunday of that week. The festival is divided into two parts: the omukae chokai, which takes place on the Saturday, and the main events themselves, which take place on the Sunday.

During the omukae chokai, the mikoshi are brought to the Kanda Myojin Shrine from their respective neighborhoods. This is a symbolic gesture to welcome the mikoshi to the shrine and to prepare for the main events the following day.

The main events take place on the Sunday and are known as the shinko-sai. During these events, the mikoshi are carried through the streets of Tokyo in a grand procession. The procession begins at the Kanda Myojin Shrine and ends at the Nihonbashi Bridge, where the mikoshi are purified in the river.

The festival is a major event in Tokyo, and it is estimated that over 1 million people attend the festival each year. It is recommended that you arrive early to secure a good viewing spot for the procession.

In conclusion, the Kanda Matsuri is a vibrant festival that should be included in your Japan tour package. It is a celebration of Tokyo's rich cultural heritage and is known for its massive portable shrines and intricate designs. The festival takes place every other year in mid-May and is a major event in Tokyo, attracting over 1 million visitors. With the information provided in this guide, you can plan your trip to Tokyo and experience the vibrant and colorful Kanda Matsuri.

1. Gion Matsuri (Kyoto)
2. Nebuta Matsuri (Aomori)
3. Tanabata Matsuri (Various locations)
4. Awa Odori (Tokushima)
5. Sapporo Snow Festival (Sapporo)
6. Takayama Matsuri (Takayama)
7. Hadaka Matsuri (Various locations)
8. Cherry Blossom Festival (Hanami)
9. Tanabata Matsuri (Sendai)
10. Obon Festival
11. Setsubun Festival
12. New Year Celebrations (Shogatsu)