What it is
The Kanda Matsuri is the festival of Kanda Myōjin, a shrine that has protected central Tokyo since before the Edo period. Because the shogun watched its procession, it was called a tenka matsuri, “a festival under heaven”, and it is counted among Tokyo’s three great festivals with the Sannō and Fukagawa festivals.
In odd-numbered years the full festival is held. On the Saturday, a long procession carries the kami through Kanda, Nihonbashi, Ōtemachi and Akihabara. On the Sunday, around 200 neighborhood mikoshi are carried into the shrine one after another in a day of noise and energy.
The festival at a glance
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Saturday | Shinkōsai procession: A day-long procession in court costume carries the kami through the shrine's neighborhoods |
| Sunday | Mikoshi Miyairi: Neighborhood portable shrines are carried into the shrine one after another, all day |
| May 15 | Reitaisai: The shrine's annual grand ritual |
Which day should you go?
Sunday
Stand near the shrine gate and watch mikoshi after mikoshi push their way in, with chanting and drums.
Saturday
Follow the procession of phoenix-topped palanquins and costumed riders through Akihabara and Nihonbashi.
What to look for
The mikoshi
About 200 neighborhood portable shrines, bounced and shouted through the streets.
Akihabara
Kanda Myōjin is the guardian shrine of Akihabara, and you may spot anime-themed charms.
The kami
The shrine honors Daikoku and Ebisu, gods of luck, and Taira no Masakado, a 10th-century warrior.
Getting there & where to stay
| From | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Station | JR Chūō Line to Ochanomizu | about 5 min |
| Shinjuku | JR Chūō Line to Ochanomizu | about 10 min |
On the day. Kanda Myōjin is about 5 minutes on foot from Ochanomizu Station or 7 minutes from Akihabara Station. The grand procession (Shinkōsai) passes through central Tokyo on Saturday.
Crowds. The mikoshi weekend is the busiest. Streets around the shrine are crowded but easy to reach.
Where to stay
Akihabara and Ochanomizu
Walk to the shrine. Business hotels are plentiful.
Tokyo Station area
One stop from Ochanomizu, with easy access to the airports and Shinkansen.
When to book. Booking 1 month ahead is usually enough.
Times are typical fastest routes. Check current timetables before you travel.
Practical tips
- Odd years only. The full festival is held in odd-numbered years. In even years only the shrine rituals take place.
- Dates. The procession and mikoshi days fall on a weekend in early to mid May. The shrine announces them in spring.
- Crowds. The shrine grounds are packed on Sunday. Watch from the streets nearby if you want space.
Glossary
Mikoshi神輿
A portable shrine. During the festival the kami rides inside while people carry it through the neighborhood.
Matsuri祭り
A Japanese festival, usually held for the kami of a local shrine. The word comes from the idea of serving and entertaining the gods.
References
- Kanda Matsuri official website, https://kandamatsuri.com/
- Chiyoda City tourism: guide to the Kanda Matsuri, https://visit-chiyoda.tokyo/kandamatsuri/
Last checked 2026-10-12.