Ōmiya Hachiman Festival (Autumn Grand Festival)

The Ōmiya Hachiman Festival, also known as the Autumn Grand Festival, is held every September at Ōmiya Hachiman Shrine and is one of the most important matsuri (festivals) of the year.

Note: This is not in Ōmiya in Saitama, but Ōmiya in Suginami Ward, Tokyo.

What happens?

Many different events are held including mikoshi (portable shrine) parades in the local area, an archery ritual, taiko drumming, and an Eisa dance display. But the biggest event is both the food and when nine mikoshi from the surrounding neighborhoods enter the shrine gates and jostle together — it can get a little competitive.

Schedule

There will be a plethora of food stalls lined up from the main torii gate to the shrine over the weekend. Be warned, it gets busy, so go through the other entrance if you want to avoid the mayhem. Past years have included eisa, music, drumming, and archery.

Here are some highlights found at the shrine:

Sep. 16 (Sat.)

• 18:00: Yoimiya Festival

Sep. 17 (Sun.)

• 10:00: Festival starts

How to get there

Eifukuchō Station is the nearest station to the Ōmiya Hachiman Shrine (around 15 minutes on foot). Another option is to walk from Honanchō Station on the Marunouchi Line (around 20 minutes on foot).

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Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.