Tokyo is known as a global capital of cutting-edge modernity, but the city also upholds a deeply rooted cultural heritage shaped by centuries of tradition. During the Edo period (1603–1868), a time of peace and prosperity, people from all walks of life were free to indulge in the joys of daily life. Chief among these were “matsuri” (festivals). These vibrant gatherings, rooted in local spiritual practices, still thrive today, forming a living bridge that connects Tokyo's past with its present. In Japan, matsuri are not merely spectacles of colour and sound; they are spiritual rites born of Shinto and Buddhist beliefs. The word “matsuri” derives from matsuru, meaning “to worship,” and these festivals are acts of devotion, opportunities to express gratitude to the gods (kami), pray for bountiful harvests and protection, and honour ancestral spirits.

Tokyo invites you to experience the capital's most cherished matsuri. Here we introduce some of Tokyo's unique matsuri, where visitors can witness this living tradition firsthand:

1. Mizudome no Mai (Gonshoji Temple, Ota City – 2nd Sunday of July)

This rare and ancient ritual is performed to pray for rain to stop, a tradition with roots dating back over 700 years. Two young people, representing dragon gods, are rolled in straw tubes through the town to the temple, accompanied by conch shell blasts and splashing water. Upon arrival, lion dances take place on a stage encircled with the same straw. The event is now designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

Tip: If you are close you may get wet during the procession.

2. Fukagawa Hachiman Matsuri (Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine, Koto City – Mid-August)

Also known as the “Water-throwing Festival,” this lively mid-summer event involves the procession of mikoshi through the streets, with onlookers and even firefighters enthusiastically dousing participants with water. The act purifies both the mikoshi and the community, and also helps beat the summer heat. This festival is considered one of the Three Great Festivals of Edo (old Tokyo) and boasts a history of about 380 years.

Every three years, a special Main Festival features over 50 mikoshi. In 2025, the rare and revered Gohonsha Ninomiya omikoshi will appear for the first time in seven years.

Tip: You may get wet at this festival too, this is part of the joy!

3. Tori no Ichi (Chokokuji Temple, Otori Shrine in Asakusa and other locations – November)

Held on the Day of the Rooster, this bustling event focuses on good fortune and business prosperity. Visitors purchase kumade; decorative rakes symbolizing the “raking in” of luck and success. Each transaction is punctuated by a traditional hand-clapping ritual, a vibrant expression of Edo-era spirit. This festival is known to also have a great street food scene, with the streets lined with many sellers of festival treats.  The festival takes place in a number of places throughout Japan but is said to have originated at Asakusa's Otori Shrine. More information LINK

4. Kurayami Matsuri (Okunitama-jinja Shrine, Fuchu City - April 30 to May 6)

One of Tokyo's oldest festivals, Kurayami Matsuri, literally meaning “Festival of Darkness”, features rituals dating back over a millennium. From May 3, visitors can enjoy sacred horse races, taiko drum performances, and a stunning nighttime parade of eight omikoshi, which are carried to a temporary resting place for the deity.

Tip: Don't miss the mikoshi procession on May 5, it's the climax of the festival.

More information LINK

5. Sanja Matsuri (Asakusa-jinja Shrine, Taito City - 3rd Fri–Sun of May)

Held in the historic Asakusa district, this iconic three-day festival involves 44 neighbourhood groups and draws over 1.8 million people. On Saturday, around 80 mikoshi from local communities parade through the streets. On Sunday, the climax arrives as three main omikoshi from the shrine are carried through all of Asakusa from dawn until dusk, uniting the district in a powerful expression of spiritual energy and community pride.

Tip: You can track the main omikoshi live online on the final day or just follow the festive noise.

More information: LINK

Tokyo's festivals are rich with spiritual significance, communal celebration, and living tradition. While lively and visually spectacular, they remain deeply religious events organized by shrines and temples. When attending, visitors are encouraged to quietly offer a bow or brief prayer, showing respect to the deities enshrined within each omikoshi.

You can see the list of all major festivals, fireworks, parades, religious events, and other events in Greater Tokyo on our official website: https://www.gotokyo.org/en/event-calendar/

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About Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau:

Founded by the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry and private enterprises and launched in 1997, TCVB is the official tourism organization of Tokyo. The mission of TCVB is to promote Tokyo as a tourist destination to increase overseas visitors and satisfy their needs, to attract international business events to Tokyo and to support community development through tourism. Along with 580 travel industry partners, TCVB is your travel concierge in Tokyo.

About the Tourism Representatives of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government:

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has Tokyo Tourism Representatives appointed in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, London, Paris, Munich, Milano, Madrid, Sydney, Toronto, Beijing, Seoul, Taiwan, and Malaysia (Thai/Singapore). The role of the representatives is to work with the travel industry and the media to encourage attention towards Tokyo's tourism by circulating tourist information and promoting travel sales to Tokyo.

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Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau

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