Nikko Toshogu Shrine Spring Festival 2026

• May 17, 2026 at 8:33 pm
  Event date:
• May 18, 2026 at 8:33 pm
  Event end:

Dates: May 17 (Sunday) – May 18 (Monday), 2026
Location: Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture

The Nikko Toshogu Shrine Spring Festival is an annual celebration featuring traditional rituals, parades, and cultural performances that honor the spirit of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Held on May 17th and 18th every year, the festival draws large crowds who come to witness historic processions and ceremonies.

Festival Highlights

Hundred and One Thousand Warriors Procession (Mikoshi Togyosai)
On May 18th, the festival’s highlight is the “Mikoshi Togyosai” — a reenactment of the historic procession that reburied Tokugawa Ieyasu from Mount Kuno to Nikko. Over 1,200 participants, including priests on horseback, armored warriors, archers, spear bearers, and lions, carry mikoshi (portable shrines) in a grand procession from Futarasan Shrine to the Otabisho Shrine, located over one kilometer away.

When the procession reaches Otabisho, an offering called Sanbondate Nanajugozen is made, followed by the Otabisho Festival, where two traditional dances — the Yaotome Dance and Azuma Asobi Dance — are performed.

Yabusame Ritual
On May 17th, the Yabusame ritual takes place. This traditional event features archers shooting at targets while riding horseback along the Omotesando. It’s an exciting and culturally significant event showcasing ancient Japanese martial arts.

Event Schedule

• Sunday, May 17th:
  • Yabusame Ritual: 13:30 – 14:30 at Omotesando (Yamauchi)
  • Offering of Offerings and Yoinari Festival
• Monday, May 18th:
  • Mikoshi Procession: 11:00 – 11:40 from Nitarayama Shrine to Otabisho
  • Otabisho Festival: 12:00 – 12:40 at Otabisho
  • Return Procession: 13:00 – 13:30 from Otabisho to Toshogu Shrine
  • Note: Event times are tentative.

We Recommend These Must-Try Moments

1. Nikko Toshogu Shrine & Kegon Waterfall One Day Tour from Tokyo
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Nikko Toshogu Shrine’s ornate beauty.
Admire the dramatic Kegon Waterfall and serene Lake Chuzenji views.
A convenient guided tour combining culture and nature in Nikko.

2. Nikko Toshogu One Day Bus Tour from Tokyo
Visit the sacred and richly decorated Nikko Toshogu Shrine on a full-day tour.
Learn about Tokugawa Ieyasu and the history of Edo-period Japan.
Comfortable round-trip bus transport makes this ideal for day-trippers.

3. Nikko Toshogu Shrine Admission Ticket
Gain entry to the world-famous Nikko Toshogu Shrine, a lavish cultural site.
Admire intricate carvings, the “See No Evil” monkeys, and historic architecture.
Perfect for independent travelers exploring Nikko’s spiritual landmarks.

4. Toshogu Shrine, Iroha Mountain Trail, Akechidaira Ropeway, and Lake Chuzenji Day Tour (Depart from Tokyo)
Experience Nikko’s highlights in one day, including scenic mountain drives.
Ride the Akechidaira Ropeway for a panoramic view of Iroha slopes and falls.
Includes cultural sightseeing at Toshogu Shrine and lakeside relaxation.

5. Nasu Animal Kingdom Ticket in Tochigi
Meet alpacas, capybaras, red pandas, and more at this interactive zoo.
Enjoy animal shows, petting zones, and seasonal flower displays.
A fun, family-friendly nature park nestled in the Nasu Highlands.

Access

• By Train and Bus:
  From JR Nikko Line Nikko Station or Tobu Nikko Line Tobu Nikko Station, take the Tobu Bus bound for Chuzenji Onsen or Yumoto Onsen for about 6 minutes. Get off at “Yasukawacho” and walk for 5 minutes. Alternatively, take the World Heritage Tour Bus, get off at “Nishi-sando,” and walk for 5 minutes.
• By Car:
  Approximately 5 minutes from Nikko IC on the Nikko Utsunomiya Expressway.

Additional Information

• Address: 2301 Yamauchi, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, 321-1431
• Contact: Nikko Toshogu Shrine, TEL 0288-54-0560
• Official Website: www.toshogu.jp

The Nikko Toshogu Shrine Spring Festival is a spectacular way to experience Japanese culture and history, with a combination of awe-inspiring processions, performances, and sacred rituals.

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