Written by Adriana Paradiso
Every year during Golden Week, a Spring Grand Festival is held at Meiji Shrine (the biggest and most important shrine in Tokyo).
What happens?
The festival takes place on May 2 and 3 each year and features an impressive lineup of traditional performing arts presentations — led by masters in the field. The festival will set up a stage in front of the main shrine.
Schedule
The dates and performances are usually the same from year to year.
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.
The 2025 schedule is confirmed and the ceremonies/performances include:
- April 29 (11:00): Bugaku (ancient imperial court music)
- May 2 (11:45): Noh and kyogen (classical Japanese theater)
- May 2 (15:45): Hogaku and hobu (classical Japanese dance)
- May 3 (9:00): Kyūdō (Japanese archery) at the Kyudo Hall
- May 3 (12:00): Sankyoku (traditional Japanese music)
- May 3 (14:30): Satsuma biwa (Japanese lute)
Early
May
2026
明治神宮春の大祭
Free
Official site
⚠️ Link in Japanese
- 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)
