For lovers of Japanese culture and traditional festivals, the Ogikubo Hachiman Grand Festival is a dream come true. You'll get a chance to explore everything from tree exhibitions to takoyaki outside the Ogikubo Hachiman Shrine. What happens? All of the trimmings of a traditional Japanese festival will be scattered around the shrine. You can take a break for festival food, drinks, and regular live events. However, there will also be some unique events, such as a bonsai tree display and a local kendo exhibition. If that's not enough, listen to live music (with both drum and dance performances) and feast your eyes on a mikoshi (portable shrine) parade to amp up the traditional spirit. Schedule 2025 The festival typically takes place over a weekend in September, on the Sunday closest to the 15th. For 2025, that's September 13 to 14. While there will be entertainment and stalls on Saturday, the big events, like the portable shrine procession, happen on Sunday. This year, Sunday's festivities will start with a Shinto ritual at 10 a.m., after which a taiko performance will take place and food and drink stalls will open within the shrine grounds.