The Fukagawa Festival is officially one of the big three Shintō festivals of Tokyo along with the Sanno Matsuri and the Kanda Matsuri.
What happens?
The festival generally happens around August 15, but the actual schedule may vary slightly from year to year. The not-to-miss events are the water-throwing and mikoshi (portable shrine) processions.
The full schedule includes music performances, parades, and Noh Theater. The festival is at its rowdiest when it’s a “hon matsuri” year. The Hon Matsuri happens every three years and you’re in for a treat because 2023 is that year.
Schedule 2023
The water-throwing action takes place on August 13 and includes the journey of the massive Ninomiya mikoshi (portable shrine) around the neighborhood. The procession sets off at 7:30 a.m. from Tomioka Hachimangū Shrine and doesn’t return till mid-afternoon.
Other events include another procession around the town on August 12 and shrine maiden performances on August 15. There will be plenty to see and do throughout the event period, so make sure to check the official website for more details.
How to get there
The festival is centered around Tomioka Hachimangū Shrin (also referred to as Fukagawa Shrine). The closest stations are Monzennakacho on the Oedo and Tozai lines and Kiba Station on the Tozai Line.
- 320 m from Monzennakachō Station Tozai Line (T12)Oedo Line (E15)
- 0.7 km from Kiba Station Tozai Line (T13)
- 0.8 km from Etchūjima Station Keiyō Line (JE3)
