Kanda Matsuri

Festival highlights

The main highlight is the grand Shinkosai procession, featuring a hōren palanquin, mikoshi, the Kanko dashi float, and the Shishigashira dashi float.

The procession travels through central Tokyo, growing in scale and splendor when the Tsuke Matsuri joins in the evening.

Enjoy a variety of attractions inspired by different eras and stories, including costumed processions, floats, and mounted warrior processions.

Source: 附け祭｜神田祭特設サイト

A Tenka Matsuri that reflects Edo traditions, with hōren palanquins and mikoshi traveling through central Tokyo

What to expect

The Shinkosai begins early in the morning with the Okagi-watashi no Gi ceremony, followed by the Hatsu-ren-sai ceremony, which announces the procession's departure.

The hōren palanquin, mikoshi, and dashi floats then travel through the parishioner neighborhoods, with offerings of food, sacred cloth offerings, and the Hiru-mike ceremony held along the way.

When the procession returns to Kanda Myojin Shrine in the evening, the Chakurensai ceremony reports that the procession has returned safely and brings the day's Shinkosai to a close.

Location and access

Venue and address

Centered on Kanda Myojin Shrine, the Shinkosai procession travels through central Tokyo, including Kanda, Nihonbashi, Otemachi-Marunouchi, and Akihabara.

Train and bus

A 5-minute walk from the Hijiribashi Exit of JR Ochanomizu Station, and a 7-minute walk from the Electric Town Exit of JR Akihabara Station.

It is a 5-minute walk from Tokyo Metro's Ochanomizu, Shin-Ochanomizu, and Suehirocho stations, and a 7-minute walk from Tokyo Metro's Akihabara Station.

Take Toei Bus route Cha 51 to Kanda Myojin; the shrine is a 1-minute walk from the bus stop.

By car

The Kanda-bashi exit on the Inner Circular Route of the Shuto Expressway and the Ueno exit on the Shuto Expressway Route 1 Ueno Line are listed.

Parking

Kanda Myojin Shrine has a limited number of parking spaces for visitors.

Nearby parking facilities include Akihabara UDX Parking and Akihabara Daibiru Parking.

Source: アクセスマップ｜神田祭特設サイト

Event venue 東京都千代田区ほか 神田明神を中心に

This map uses the venue name. Check the official guide for the event area and entrances.

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Dates and season

Season

May

Frequency

Once every 2 years

Tips for your visit

The Shinkosai procession travels for many hours through several central Tokyo neighborhoods, so choosing in advance which procession or shrine rite you want to see can make your visit easier.

The procession schedule may change.

Along roadsides and within shrine grounds, follow staff instructions and watch from a place that does not obstruct the procession.

Nearby attractions

The historic site of Kanda Myojin Shrine and the Masakado-zuka mound, both closely associated with the festival, lie along the procession route through Otemachi.

The Shinkosai procession also passes along Chuo-dori in front of Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store and along Chuo-dori in Akihabara.

These locations are listed as places visited by the Shinkosai procession, and you can enjoy the surrounding area as you watch the procession.

Origins and History of Kanda Matsuri

The Kanda Matsuri came to be known as the “Tenka Matsuri” (“Festival of the Realm”) because its procession entered Edo Castle during the Edo period and was viewed by the Tokugawa shogun and his wife.

Since the Enpo period, the festival has traditionally been held in alternating years with the Sanno Festival, and it continues to take place once every 2 years.

As times changed, the festival shifted from being centered on dashi floats to mikoshi processions, and after the war its name was changed to Shinkosai.

Source: 神田祭の歴史｜神田祭特設サイト

Official information

The Kanda Matsuri special website publishes information on the schedule, Shinkosai, Tsuke Matsuri, history, access, and more.

Source: 日程｜神田祭特設サイト

Visit the official website

Kanda Matsuri at a Glance

The Kanda Matsuri is a large-scale festival centered on the hōren palanquin and mikoshi of Kanda Myojin Shrine, which travel through the shrine's parishioner neighborhoods in central Tokyo.

The Shinkosai procession features dashi floats, lion heads, and the costumed procession of the Tsuke Matsuri, bringing together traditions dating back to Edo and the streetscapes of modern Tokyo.