The shape of it
About
The third of Edo's great trio, run in full only in even-numbered years from Hie Shrine in Akasaka. Its centrepiece is the Shinkō-sai, a stately 300-strong Heian-costume procession that snakes some 23 km through Nagatachō, Ginza and the political heart of Tokyo over a single day.
Highlights
- Shinkō-sai grand procession of around 300 people in Heian-era dress, ox-carts and mikoshi over a 23 km city route
- Eleven days of rituals, bon-odori dancing and tea ceremonies based at Hie Shrine
- A rare chance to see a festival parade past the Diet building and through modern Akasaka and Ginza
Plan it well
- Run in full only in even years — the 2026 edition has just passed, so the next is 2028
- Hie Shrine's photogenic tunnel of red torii on the Akasaka side is worth a visit any day of the festival
- Check the official schedule for the exact Shinkō-sai date, which is the one unmissable day
Where it happens
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