Kachiya Festival (Samurai Procession)

Going back 1000 years, Fijiwara no Hidesato prayed for victory before a battle at Katori Shrine. His prayer was realized so he offered his bow and arrow to the shrine in honor of the victory. This is still commemorated to this day during the Kachiya Festival.

What happens?

Festivities include a dedication to the kachiya (victory arrow) and a traditional samurai procession tracing a 2-km route through the neighborhood around Kameido Station and finishing at the shrine.

The parade features samurai in battle armor, archers, a brass band and other people in period dress. The procession stops at one point for a performance which includes a kendo (wooden sword fighting) demonstration.

The marchers are local residents and people from the local business association who are keen to promote Kameido, so all the participants will enthusiastically pose for photos.

The parade coincides with the Kameido Tenjin Wisteria Festival, so head here for more food and entertainment after the Kachiya Procession finishes.

Schedule

The procession begins to the south of Kameido Station at 1 p.m. and arrives in the station area at about 2 p.m. before proceeding along the main shopping street (closed to traffic) and arriving at Katori Shrine at around 3 p.m.