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Category: Festivals

  • Sannō Matsuri: Tokyo’s Shinto Celebration

    Sannō Matsuri Overview

    The Sannō Matsuri is one of Tokyo’s major Shinto festivals, alongside the Fukagawa Matsuri and Kanda Matsuri. Held annually in mid-June, it features week-long celebrations of rituals and events.

    Shinkosai Procession

    In even-numbered years, the festival includes the Shinkosai procession, also known as Jinkosai. This day-long parade winds through Nagatachō and Chiyoda, offering a vibrant display of tradition and cultural heritage.

    Annual Activities

    The Sannō Matsuri encompasses a range of activities throughout the week. Visitors can enjoy ceremonies and engage with local customs, making it an ideal opportunity to experience Tokyo’s Shinto culture.

  • Sannō Matsuri: Tokyo’s Shinto Tradition

    Overview of Sannō Matsuri

    Sannō Matsuri (山王祭), also called the Sannō Festival, ranks as one of Tokyo’s most important Shinto festivals, alongside the Fukagawa Matsuri and Kanda Matsuri. Held annually in mid-June, the festival spans a week of vibrant celebrations.

    Shinkosai Procession

    The festival’s centerpiece is the Shinkosai procession, also known as Jinkosai. This grand parade occurs only in even-numbered years, weaving through Nagatachō and Chiyoda in Tokyo. The full-day event showcases traditional customs and a rich cultural heritage, making it a highlight for locals and visitors alike.

  • Fukagawa Hachiman Festival: Tokyo’s Water-Splashing Tradition

    Fukagawa Hachiman Festival: Tokyo’s Water-Splashing Tradition

    Overview of the Fukagawa Hachiman Festival

    The Fukagawa Hachiman Festival, also known as the Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine Festival, is held annually around August 15 in Koto City, Tokyo. Celebrated as one of the three great festivals of Edo, it features the unique tradition of participants splashing purifying water on mikoshi (portable shrines), earning it the nickname “water-splashing festival.” This joyous event brings together shrine-bearers and onlookers in a lively display of tradition and community spirit.

    Festival Highlights

    The festival’s centerpiece is the main parade (連合渡御), held every three years, where over fifty mikoshi are carried through the streets while being doused with water. Other highlights include Geisha dances and performances of Kiyariuta, traditional songs that evoke the cultural essence of the Edo period.

    Historical Roots

    The Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine dates back to 1624, when a statue of Hachiman, the God of War, was enshrined on Eitai Island. Since then, the shrine has been a cornerstone of the Fukagawa community, hosting this vibrant festival that celebrates both spiritual and cultural heritage.

    Monuments and Memorials

    The shrine grounds feature several notable monuments, including the Monument of Fukagawa Strength, the Monument of Kiba Riding, and the Yokozuna Rikishi Memorial Monument, all of which highlight the area’s rich history. Visiting these sites adds depth to the festival experience, connecting attendees with Fukagawa’s historical legacy.

    The Fukagawa Hachiman Festival is more than just a celebration; it’s a vibrant mix of tradition, history, and community, offering visitors a unique window into Tokyo’s cultural past and present.