Kanda Matsuri

One of Tokyo’s three major festivals — Kanda Matsuri — takes place over a period of 8 days in mid-May. The festival only takes place in odd-numbered years, so after the festival this year, you won’t see it again till 2027.

What happens?

Based in and around Kanda Myojin Shrine near Ochanomizu Station, the Kanda Matsuri is a Shinto festival originally held to celebrate Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa’s famous victory at the Battle of Sekigahara, which paved the way for over 250 years of Tokugawa rule during the Edo period.

Held in odd-numbered years (it alternates with the Sannō Matsuri held in even-numbered years), the Kanda Matsuri spans about a week in May but centres on a weekend in the middle of the festival period. The main parades take place on Saturday and Sunday during this core weekend. These processions include lavish floats, mikoshi (portable shrines), musicians, dancers, and people dressed in Heian-era costumes, making their way through Tokyo’s streets—including parts of Akihabara, Nihonbashi, and Marunouchi, blessing businesses and homes as they go.

The festival culminates in the ‘reitaisai’, usually held on Sunday. This is a more formal Shinto ceremony featuring priests, shrine maidens, and representatives from the local community.

Schedule 2025

The Kanda Festival is set to take place from May 8 to May 15, featuring a week of traditional ceremonies and lively processions.

The main parades are on Saturday, May 10, and Sunday, May 11 for 2025. There will also be tea ceremonies, a Noh theatre performance, and other smaller ceremonies throughout the festival period.

May 10 (Sat.)

• 16:20–18:20: Mikoshi (portable shrines) will set off from several areas around Tokyo, including Nihonbashi and Kanda Station. Full timings here.

May 11 (Sun.)

• 09:00–18:00: Setting off earlier than Saturday, the mikoshi head around Soto-Kanda, Iwamotocho, and Akihabara. Full timings here.

May 15 (Thur.)

• From 14:00: The grand festival, Reitaisai, will include shrine maiden dancing and other traditional ceremonies. See all the details here.

Other key events include the Hōgoshi Mikoshi Enthronement Ceremony on May 8 and the Tea Offering Ceremony and Myojin Noh performance on May 14.