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September 13, 2026 at 2:23 pm
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September 14, 2026 at 2:24 pm
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Tokyo’s Quintessential Neighborhood Celebration
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Contact Jasumo Now →Looking for an authentic Tokyo neighborhood festival filled with tradition, energy, and charm? The Kichijōji Autumn Festival 2026 brings together mikoshi processions, street performances, and vibrant food stalls in one of the city’s most beloved neighborhoods.
This annual celebration takes place on September 13–14, 2026, centered around the Musashino Hachimangū Shrine and the bustling shopping arcades around Kichijōji Station. With its mix of deep-rooted Shintō traditions and a fun-filled community vibe, this two-day event offers a fantastic way to experience Tokyo’s cultural heart outside the typical tourist route.
When & Where
- Dates: Sunday, September 13 and Monday, September 14, 2026
- Time: Approximately 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM each day
- Main Venue: Kichijōji Station North Area, Musashino Hachimangū Shrine, Sunroad Shopping Street, Heiwa-dōri
- Admission: Completely free; no tickets required
Festival Highlights
Mikoshi Processions
- Sunday, Sept 13: At 11:00 AM, a sacred priest on horseback leads the main shrine mikoshi from Musashino Hachimangū Shrine into the shopping arcades, traveling through streets like Sunroad and Inari-machi. Children’s mikoshi and floats will be featured throughout the day.
- Monday, Sept 14: The festival’s most exciting moment takes place around 2:00 PM, when 11 mikoshi from different local neighborhoods converge near Kichijōji Station’s North Exit on Heiwa-dōri for a spectacular union procession — a true visual feast of movement, music, and color.
Traditional Performances
One of the cultural highlights is the Musashino-bayashi folk music show. This performance style has been passed down for over 160 years at Musashino Hachimangū Shrine, featuring flutes, taiko drums, and festive rhythms that accompany the mikoshi. Other stage performances and community entertainment can be found throughout the arcades and near commercial areas like Kichijōji Marui, Copis, and Inokashira-dōri.
Yatai Stalls & Local Fun
Stroll through dozens of yatai (festival stalls) offering traditional Japanese street food, snacks, sweets, drinks, and children’s games. Expect everything from takoyaki and yakisoba to festival pancakes and candy apples. Children’s floats and mikoshi can be found at over 9 separate locations, giving families plenty of opportunities to explore and participate.
Location & Access
- Train Access:
- Kichijōji Station (JR Chūō Line, JR Chūō-Sōbu Line, Keio Inokashira Line)
- Festival venues are about a 5–9 minute walk from the station’s north exit
- Car Access: Driving is discouraged due to street closures and traffic restrictions. If necessary, paid parking is available in nearby lots, but may fill up quickly.
Key Zones & Procession Areas
- Sunroad Shopping Arcade
- Heiwa-dōri (Peace Street)
- Inokashira-dōri & Sūhiro-dōri
- Station North Plaza / Daiyagai / Copis & Marui decks
- Musashino Hachimangū Shrine (starting point of Sunday mikoshi)
Visitor Tips
- Arrive early (by 10:30 AM) to follow the mikoshi routes and find your preferred viewing spot
- Wear comfortable walking shoes — many events occur across various streets and arcades
- Bring cash — most stalls and booths don’t accept credit cards
- Ideal for families with kids, thanks to child-friendly mikoshi zones and interactive areas
- Expect crowds on Monday afternoon, especially during the 2:00 PM mikoshi union parade
Why Visit the Kichijōji Autumn Festival?
Kichijōji is one of Tokyo’s most livable and vibrant neighborhoods, known for its blend of old and new, green spaces like Inokashira Park, and stylish shopping and food streets. This festival is a chance to experience the neighborhood at its most festive, where generations of locals come together to carry forward one of the area’s most loved traditions.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a Tokyo resident looking for a deeper cultural dive, the Kichijōji Autumn Festival 2026 is an unforgettable way to welcome the fall season.
Contact & Official Info
- Website: musashino-kanko.com
- Organizer: Musashino Tourism Association
- Language Support: Japanese; limited English materials may be available onsite
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