Kurayami Festival

Festival highlights

Highlights include the Keiba-shiki, in which 4 sacred horses run along the Old Koshu Kaido; around 20 children’s mikoshi; powerful large drums; and a dashi procession featuring 22 floats moving to competing festival music.

On May 5, 8 mikoshi, led by 6 large drums, make their procession to the Otabisho.

Dashi illuminated by lanterns and the mikoshi procession, which begins with a fireworks signal, are major highlights of the festival.

Mikoshi and large drums moving through the darkness—a traditional festival alive in Fuchu

What to expect

The festival begins with the Shinagawa Kaijo Misogi-harai-shiki on April 30. During the festival period, events include a rite to polish a mirror, the Kisei-sai prayer for clear weather, the Keiba-shiki, the Manto Competition, and a drum performance.

On May 5, the route is purified and the deity’s spirit is transferred to the mikoshi; the mikoshi procession then takes place at night.

Early the following morning, on the 6th, the mikoshi leave the Otabisho, tour the local neighborhoods, and return to the shrine.

How to take part

The mikoshi togyo and dashi procession can be watched from along the route and around the jinja.

There are also events organized by local groups, such as the children's mikoshi and the Mando competition, but no information is provided about how general visitors can carry a mikoshi or sign up to participate.

As some shrine rituals are not open to the public, it is best to check where and when visitors may watch before you go.

Source: 生活環境部産業観光課 東京都府中市ホームページ / くらやみ祭／東京の観光公式サイトGO TOKYO

Location and access

Venue and address

Events are held mainly at Ōkunitama Jinja (3-1 Miyamachi, Fuchu, Tokyo), as well as along the former Koshu Kaido and Keyaki Namiki-dori.

Train and bus

A 5-minute walk from the south exit of Fuchu Station on the Keio Line.

A 5-minute walk from Fuchu-Hommachi Station on the JR Nambu and Musashino lines.

By car

From Inagi IC on the Chuo Expressway, it is about 10 minutes toward central Fuchu; from Fuchu Smart IC, it is about 10 minutes.

Parking

Free parking is available for shrine visitors.

Traffic restrictions and congestion are expected during the festival, so visitors are advised to use public transportation.

Source: 交通のご案内｜大國魂神社（東京・府中）

Event venue 東京都府中市 大國魂神社を中心に

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

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Dates and season

Season

April 30–May 6

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

Traffic restrictions are in effect from May 3 through the 6th, and access through the east and west torii gates may be unavailable during the mikoshi togyo.

If you plan to watch the evening mikoshi togyo or the early-morning mikoshi kangyo, check the start time and viewing location for each event in advance.

Some shrine rituals from April 30 to May 2 are not open to the public.

Nearby attractions

The approach to Okunitama Shrine, the festival venue, is lined with zelkova trees designated as a Natural Monument.

The dashi procession takes place mainly along the Old Koshu Kaido and Keyaki Namiki-dori, so you can enjoy a walk through central Fuchu along with a visit to the shrine.

During the festival, the Fuchu Tourism Association sets up a temporary information desk in front of Foris, where related products are sold and pamphlets distributed.

Temples and shrinesFuchu City

大國魂神社

東京都府中市の神社

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写真：Fuchu / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Parks and gardensFuchu City · Koganei City

多磨霊園

東京都の霊園

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写真：Fuchu / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Attractions in the same municipality. Check each attraction’s official website for travel distances from the venue and current opening information.

Origins and History of Kurayami Festival

As part of the historical background of the Kurayami Festival, the Keiba-shiki is said to have originated as an event in which horses were gathered and run around Fuchu so that the provincial governor could select fine horses to present to the imperial court.

Today, the Keiba-shiki is not a race to determine speed or finishing order, but an event that preserves an old tradition.

The Manto Competition also began in Showa 54 (1979) and has been carried on as an event in which local youth associations compete in craftsmanship and skill.

Official information

The official event guide from Okunitama Shrine lists the events and times from April 30 to May 6.

Fuchu City’s official website provides information about the main highlights, traffic restrictions, temporary bicycle parking, and other event details.

As the event approaches, check announcements from the organizers and local authorities for the latest schedule for 2027 and any changes on the day.

Visit the official website

Kurayami Festival at a Glance

The Kurayami Festival is Fuchu’s grand annual festival, centered on Okunitama Shrine, featuring mikoshi, drums, dashi, sacred horses, and more.

In particular, the evening mikoshi procession on May 5 and the mikoshi return procession the following morning are signature events of the festival.

Other highlights include a variety of events passed down through generations and local communities, such as the Keiba-shiki, the Manto Competition, and children’s mikoshi.