Mitama Matsuri

Traditionally, during the hottest months of summer, Japanese people honor the spirits of the dead. One such festival based around this idea is the Mitama Matsuri at the politically complex Yasukuni Shrine.

What happens?

30,000 lanterns are strung from towers of metal scaffolding to create a spectacular approach along the promenade leading to the main shrine. The festival runs for four days, starting on July 13, and there will be dancing, brass band performances, and more.

During the festival, the museum on the shrine grounds has extended hours (until 9 p.m. in 2026). The ground-floor area is free to enter and includes air conditioning, a souvenir shop, and a café, making it a convenient place to escape the heat. Visitors may also be able to access the shrine’s inner courtyard for ¥2,000 per person. Note that opening hours and admission prices vary from year to year.

There are plenty of stalls selling classic festival foods and refreshments, including yakisoba, shaved ice, and other popular treats. However, lines can be very long, so it is best to eat and hydrate before or after the festival where possible.

Schedule 2026

Mitama Matsuri runs from July 13 to 16 at Yasukuni Shrine, with the shrine’s formal ceremony held at 5 p.m. each day.

• Opening evening: On July 13, the festival begins with the 5 p.m. shrine ceremony. Later in the day, there will be a brass band parade, plus Awa Odori dancing near the Shinmon gate. The Noh stage will also host a performance from 7 p.m.
• Mikoshi nights: On July 14 and 15, the 5 p.m. shrine ceremonies continue, followed in the evening by mikoshi along the main approach. This is the portable shrine part of the festival, with groups carrying and shaking the shrine as they move through the lantern-lit grounds.
• Final evening and Nebuta: On July 16, the last 5 p.m. shrine ceremony is followed by an Aomori Nebuta appearance in the evening. The same night, drummer and singer Tsunoda Hiro gives a free outdoor concert at the Noh stage from 7 p.m.
• Daily performances: Throughout the festival, the Noh stage hosts free performances from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. The program includes traditional Japanese dance, folk songs, ballet, rokyoku storytelling, classical martial arts, and poetry recitation.
• Daily displays: The lanterns are the main attraction every night. The shrine grounds are decorated with large lanterns, smaller dedicated lanterns, painted bonbori, Sendai Tanabata decorations, and other seasonal displays. The lanterns stay lit until 9:30 p.m.

How to get there

The shrine is a 5-minute walk from Kudanshita Station on the Tokyo Metro Honzomon and Tozai Lines as well as the Toei Shinjuku Line.

To avoid retracing the long promenade, enter the shrine via Kudanshita Station and leave via Ichigaya Station.