Sannō Matsuri山王祭

The festival of Hie Shrine, known in the Edo period as a "Tenka Matsuri" because the Tokugawa shoguns welcomed its mikoshi into Edo Castle.

In June, the Sannō Matsuri unfolds around the rites of Hie Shrine, with a series of observances including a children's procession and the Sannō Kashōsai. In the main-festival years, held every two years, the Shinkōsai procession takes place, as participants in Heian-style court dress accompany the sacred palanquins, the shrine mikoshi and festival floats through the parish districts of central Tokyo.

This is a religious rite rooted in a shrine or temple. Please follow the guidance of the organizers and clergy, and take care not to disrupt the ceremonies.

Hie Shrine describes the Sannō Matsuri as one of Japan's three great festivals, called the "Tenka Matsuri" in the Edo period. The tradition of the Tokugawa shogunate welcoming the mikoshi into Edo Castle lives on in today's Shinkōsai. According to Kanda Myōjin, it was in the Edo period that the Kanda and Sannō festivals came to be held in alternate years.

Source: 日枝神社(external site, opens in a new tab) / 日枝神社(external site, opens in a new tab) / 神田明神(external site, opens in a new tab)

The Shinkōsai is the most splendid observance of the main-festival years, with the procession carried out by shrine representatives and young parishioners. As the deities travel through the parish, the bond between shrine and community is renewed — even now that much of the district has become the business heart of Tokyo.

1. 01

   Shinkōsai (divine procession)

   Every two years, participants in court dress escort the sacred palanquins, shrine mikoshi and floats through the parish.

2. 02

   Children's procession

   A procession of children in traditional dress.

3. 03

   Sannō Kashōsai

   A rite of prayer for good health and protection from misfortune.

The Shinkōsai procession is carried out by shrine representatives and young parishioners.

Whether the Shinkōsai is held, and the times of each observance, vary by year; check the official Hie Shrine and Sannō Matsuri websites.

Traffic controls, seating and fees change every year. Always check the official website for the latest information.

Official website — tenkamatsuri.jp(external site, opens in a new tab)

• Keep quiet during the rites and do not obstruct the procession.
• Observe the manners of a worshipper within the precincts.
• Follow stewards' and security staff's directions along the route.

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2. 2.山王祭｜日枝神社(external site, opens in a new tab)日枝神社 · Accessed 2026-09-26
3. 3.神幸祭 神幸行列｜山王祭｜日枝神社(external site, opens in a new tab)日枝神社 · Accessed 2026-09-26
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5. 5.神田祭特設サイト｜神田祭の歴史(external site, opens in a new tab)神田明神 · Accessed 2026-09-26
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