Sanno Matsuri (Hie Shrine) 2028
Held in full only in even-numbered years, Hie Shrine's grand procession sends a 500-strong parade of courtly costumes and portable shrines on a ten-hour route past the Imperial Palace and Ginza.
When · Where
- When
- 2028/06/07 22:30 – 2028/06/08
- Where
- Hie Shrine (Hie Jinja), Akasaka（2-10-5 Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo）
- City
- Tokyo
- Getting there
- A 3-minute walk from Tameike-Sanno or Akasaka Station on the Tokyo Metro; near the National Diet.
- Price
- Free
Good to know for visitors
- Getting there
- A 3-minute walk from Tameike-Sanno or Akasaka Station on the Tokyo Metro; near the National Diet. Open directions in Google Maps ↗
- Booking & entry
- Free to attend — details on the official page (button above).
- Language
- Mostly in Japanese — a translation app on your phone helps.
- Good for
- culture seekers, groups of friends
Highlights
- The Shinko-sai grand procession, held only in even years, winding 23km through central Tokyo over about ten hours
- Hundreds of participants in Heian-era court costume, with mikoshi and ornate floats
- Hie Shrine's vivid red gates and hillside stairway in the Akasaka government district
Background & story
One of Edo's three great festivals, the Sanno Matsuri honors the guardian deity of Hie Shrine; during the Edo period its procession was permitted to enter the shogun's castle, and today it still passes the Imperial Palace. The full festival alternates yearly with Kanda Matsuri.
Good to know
The full procession runs only in even-numbered years (next: 2028); odd years see a smaller observance. Check the route map in advance and stake out a spot near Ginza or the Imperial Palace for the best views.