Written by TC Team
Every year during autumn, a Grand Festival is held at Meiji Shrine (the biggest and most important shrine in Tokyo).
This also coincides with the shrine’s chrysanthemum festival.
What happens?
The almost week-long festival features an impressive lineup of traditional performing arts presentations — led by masters in the field. The yabusame (horeseback archery) on November 3 is one of the main highlights.
Suggested Activity
Sumo Morning Practice Tour at Stable in Tokyo
Try this insider’s experience at a sumo wrestler morning practice session. Enjoy exclusive access to a sumo stable, watching as these massive athletes put themselves through their daily training regimen and go head-to-head.
Schedule 2024
The festival will set up a stage in front of the main shrine, as well as other areas in the precincts of the shrine. The yabusame and aikido will be held on the west lawn (the closest station is Yoyogi, not Harajuku).
The ceremonies/performances for this year:
- Nov. 1 (12:00): Noh and kyogen (classical Japanese theater)
- Nov. 1 (15:45): Sankyoku (traditional Japanese music)
- Nov. 2 (11:45): Classical Japanese music and dance
- Nov. 3 (9:00): Kyūdō (Japanese archery)
- Nov. 3 (9:00): Aikido (martial arts demonstrations)
- Nov. 3 (13:30): Yabusame (horseback archery)
- Nov. 3 (15:00): Satsuma biwa (Japanese lute)
Early
Nov
Free
- 0.6 km from Harajuku Station Yamanote Line (JY19)
- 0.7 km from Sangūbashi Station Odakyu Odawara Line (OH3)
- 0.7 km from Kitasandō Station Fukutoshin Line (C14)
