Niiname-sai
SeasonalKanto(Tokyo)
Annual eventDates
2026-11-23
Venue
Imperial Palace (Kokyo)
Admission
¥0
Crowd Level
Low crowdImperial harvest thanksgiving ritual held at the Imperial Palace.
Niiname-sai is one of the most important Shinto harvest thanksgiving ceremonies, held annually on November 23 at the Imperial Palace. The Emperor offers newly harvested rice and sake to the deities and partakes of them himself, giving thanks for the year's harvest. While the palace ceremony is private, many shrines across Japan hold public Niiname-sai rituals.
Highlights
Ancient imperial harvest thanksgiving ceremony; National holiday (Labor Thanksgiving Day) with cultural significance; Public niiname-sai ceremonies at shrines nationwide
Access
5-minute walk from Nijubashimae Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line) or 10-minute walk from Tokyo Station (JR)
Tips for Visitors
The Imperial Palace ceremony is closed to public. Visit Meiji Jingu or other major shrines for public niiname-sai ceremonies. November 23 is a national holiday, so expect crowds at popular shrines.