Written by Adriana Paradiso
Researched by Shyam Bhardwa
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. The main parades are on Saturday and Sunday in the middle, with the ‘reitaisai’ procession on the last day of the festival.
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 Shinko Festival parade on May 10 will see sacred mikoshi carried through the streets, while May 9 and May 11 will feature neighborhood mikoshi processions. Other key events include the Hōgoshi Mikoshi Enthronement Ceremony on May 8 and the Tea Offering Ceremony and Myojin Noh performance on May 14.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.Add to Calendar
- 349 m from Suehirochō Station Ginza Line (G14)
- 374 m from Ochanomizu Station Chiyoda Line (C12)Marunouchi Line (M20)Chūō Line (Rapid) (JC3)Chūō-Sōbu Line (JB22)
- 0.5 km from Shinochanomizu Station
