255th Sakaki Festival

Based at Hiyoshi Shrine, which is a 20-minute walk from Showajima on the JR Ome Line (far west Tokyo), this is one of the longest continually running festivals in the Kanto region.

What happens?

The very first Sakaki Matsuri was held in 1767. As part of the ceremony, a large Sakaki (it’s a variety of tree) mikoshi (portable shrine) is tied with strips of paper and carried and shaken rather vigorously on its way through the town to the shrine. If you’re having trouble building a mental picture, check the very long YouTube video from 2013’s festival below.

Schedule 2022

Saturday, Sep 17: A parade of floats will start at 7 p.m until midnight.

Sunday, Sep 18: From midnight, the Sakaki mikoshi will commence. There will be more floats at around 1 p.m. but will be paraded via car on the Okutama Highway.

Note: Due to COVID-19, some of the schedule and rituals in 2022 may change. There will be no stalls at Haijima Park.

(TC Team)

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