Sanno Matsuri
MatsuriKanto(Tokyo)
Annual eventDates
2026-06-07 — 2026-06-17
Venue
Hie Shrine and surrounding Nagatacho/Akasaka area
Admission
Free
Crowd Level
CrowdedAlternate-year festival at Hie Shrine in Tokyo with an imperial procession.
Sanno Matsuri is one of Tokyo's three great festivals, held at Hie Shrine in even-numbered years. The highlight is the Shinko-sai procession on June 15, where elaborately costumed participants and portable shrines parade through central Tokyo, including a rare passage through the Imperial Palace grounds. The festival dates back over 600 years.
Highlights
Shinko-sai procession through central Tokyo and Imperial Palace area; 300-meter long parade with Edo-period costumes; Evening illumination of Hie Shrine
Access
3-minute walk from Tameike-Sanno Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza/Namboku Line) or Akasaka-Mitsuke Station. The shrine is also accessible from Nagatacho Station.
Tips for Visitors
The Shinko-sai procession on June 15 is the must-see event. The procession passes through the Imperial Palace area around noon. Note that the grand festival is held only in even-numbered years (2026 is a grand festival year).