The Sanno Matsuri, also called Sanno Festival, is one of the largest Shinto festivals in Tokyo, alongside Fukagawa Matsuri and Kanda Matsuri. This festival takes place every year in mid-June. But the main parade, called jinkosai or Shinkosai, takes place every two years in mid-June, only in odd years.
The main parade: jinkosai or Shinkosai
Participants dress up in ancient costumes and parade through Tokyo. They are accompanied by mikoshi (portable shrines) decorated with phoenixes and dashi floats. We also meet people disguised as the legendary demon Tengu. He is renowned for his supernatural powers and characterized by a red face and long nose. Formerly considered an evil being, today it is seen more as a protective spirit. It is also a face that we often find on everyday Japanese objects. Such as ceramic bowls, figurines, masks, amulets, wands or fans.
The spectacular procession
The highlight of the festival is the spectacular procession which takes place on the second Saturday in June. Thousands of participants, including Shinto priests, musicians, dancers and members of the local community, parade through the streets of Tokyo. They wear beautifully ornate traditional costumes. The drums resonate and the Shinto flutes play captivating melodies, creating a festive and spiritual atmosphere.
The procession usually begins at Hie-jinja, a Shinto shrine located in the Akasaka district. It ends at the top of Hiezan Hill, where the main shrine dedicated to Sanno is located. The route is dotted with numerous stops where participants perform specific rituals and dances. This purifies the environment and attracts divine blessings.
Activities and events
Apart from the procession, the festival also includes various activities and events that take place over several days. There one can find food stalls offering a variety of traditional Japanese dishes, games, martial arts demonstrations and folk dance performances. Visitors also have the opportunity to participate in religious ceremonies, such as prayers or offerings at the shrine.
During the week of the festival, various Japanese traditions are in the spotlight. Particularly in the sanctuary gardens, an emblematic place where you can admire an exhibition of ikebana (traditional art of flower arrangement) or even enjoy Japanese tea.
An immersion in Japanese traditions
Do you want to immerse yourself in Japanese traditions during your stay in Tokyo? Sanno Matsuri is definitely the best time of year to do it! You will have the opportunity to see Japanese people pass their heads through a large ring of thatch to purify themselves of all the sins committed over the last six months. And you will see them transmit evil to the doll they hold in their hand. All this while tasting numerous specialties. Colors, decorations and wild music will be there for your greatest pleasure!
