Sanno Festival 2026

• June 7, 2026 at 1:48 am
  Event date:
• June 17, 2026 at 1:48 am
  Event end:

Step into the Elegance of Edo-Era Japan at One of Tokyo’s Three Great Festivals

The Sanno Festival (山王祭), one of Tokyo’s most prestigious and historic festivals, returns in 2026 to showcase centuries of Shinto tradition and imperial grandeur. Held biennially at Hie Shrine (日枝神社), this festival features magnificent processions, traditional performances, and vibrant ceremonies that offer a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural past.

Festival Highlights:

• Grand Procession Through Central Tokyo: Witness the iconic Jinkosai (神幸祭) procession, where portable shrines (mikoshi) and over 300 participants dressed in Heian-period attire parade through central Tokyo, stopping at key landmarks like the Imperial Palace and Tokyo Station.
• Mikoshi Parades: Marvel at the sight of elaborately decorated portable shrines carried by festival-goers, representing the spirits of deities traveling through the city to bless its people.
• Traditional Music & Dance: Enjoy court music (gagaku) and traditional dance performances, transporting you to the elegance of ancient Japan.
• Sacred Rituals at Hie Shrine: Experience solemn Shinto rituals performed at Hie Shrine, offering prayers for prosperity, peace, and protection for Tokyo.
• Festival Markets & Stalls: Explore the lively grounds of Hie Shrine, filled with food stalls offering festival delicacies and local crafts.

Event Details:

• Dates: June 7–17, 2026 (Main procession on June 15)
• Location: Hie Shrine & Central Tokyo
• Admission: Free (Some areas may have restricted access)

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Sanno Festival 2026 Schedule

Sunday, June 7: The Grand Parade

• 7:45 AM:Shinkosai (Grand Procession) departs from Hie Shrine.
  • Details: Start of the nine-hour, 500-person parade in traditional court dress with Mikoshi and floats.
• 11:05 AM: Procession passes the National Theatre.
• 12:05 PM: Procession performs a ritual at the Imperial Palace (Sakashita-mon Gate).
• 1:45 PM: Procession stops for a ritual/rest at Nihonbashi Hie Shrine.
• 3:30 PM: Procession passes through the Ginza 4-chome intersection.
• 5:00 PM: Shinkosai (Grand Procession) arrives back at Hie Shrine.

Monday, June 8

• Daily: Chinowa-Kuguri (Purification Ritual) is active on the shrine grounds (walking through the large straw ring).
• Daytime: Assorted Shinto dedication ceremonies and rituals are held inside the main shrine hall.

Tuesday, June 9

• 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Tentative): Local Mikoshi Procession carried by neighborhood residents in the surrounding areas.

Wednesday, June 10 – Thursday, June 11

• Daily: Continued formal rituals, prayers, and traditional performances on the shrine grounds.

Friday, June 12

• 6:00 PM Onwards: Evening festival atmosphere picks up with a greater presence of Yatai (food stalls) and games.

Saturday, June 13

• Daytime: Further Local Mikoshi Parades in the Akasaka/Nagatacho areas.
• 6:30 PM Onwards: Sanno Ondo & Folk Dance Festival (Communal dancing/Bon Odori) at a nearby public space (e.g., Sanno Park Tower).

Sunday, June 14

• 12:00 PM & 2:30 PM: Chigo Gyoretsu (Children’s Procession) of children in traditional dress, held on the shrine grounds.
• 6:30 PM Onwards: Second night of Sanno Ondo & Folk Dance Festival.

Monday, June 15

• 11:00 AM: Annual Grand Festival Ceremony (Formal, solemn ritual conducted by the head priests in the main hall).

Tuesday, June 16

• 1:00 PM: Sanno Kasho Festival (Ritual where traditional Japanese sweets are dedicated to the gods).

Wednesday, June 17: Closing Day

• Daytime: Final Shinto rituals and closing prayers, formally concluding the 11-day festival.

Why You Should Go:
The Sanno Festival is not just a celebration – it’s a rare chance to witness imperial-era traditions unfold in modern Tokyo. Known for its refined, elegant atmosphere, this festival contrasts the lively nature of other matsuri, making it an ideal event for those seeking a deeper connection to Japan’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

Join the celebration and experience the grandeur of Sanno Festival 2026, where ancient traditions meet the heart of Tokyo’s bustling cityscape.

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