Experience Mikoshi Parade in Kichijoji, Tokyo!

Name: Experience Mikoshi Parade in Kichijoji, Tokyo!
Brand: Viator
Price: 38.52 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (3 reviews)

5.0(3)2 HoursEnglishMusashino

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$39

Book on Viator

Experience Japan’s Traditional Mikoshi Parade in Kichijoji. On September 12 and 13, the streets come alive with the Kichijoji Autumn Festival, a perfect chance to witness a traditional Japanese celebration featuring a parade of Mikoshi portable shrines. See up to 11 Mikoshi, one from Musashino Hachimangu Shrine and ten from each district of the town. Each group has its own distinct style of carrying, chanting, and celebrating, making for a truly unique and exciting experience. At the festival’s highlight, all the Mikoshi gather for an impressive performance full of energy and excitement.

Join this tour and let your guide share the stories and traditions behind this vibrant festival while exploring Kichijoji’s lively streets. On September 12, you can even carry a Mikoshi alongside the locals and parade it through the town, a chance you don't want to miss! Kichijoji is just 15 minutes by train from Shibuya or Shinjuku, making it a perfect stop after visiting Inokashira Park.

Included

Professional guide

Not included

Snacks

What you'll do

Kichijoji Daiyagai
Kichijoji Honcho, Musashino, Japan
One of Kichijoji’s major shopping streets and the heart of the festival action! On September 12, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., you’ll don a Hanten festival jacket and join the townspeople in carrying a Mikoshi, parading through the lively streets. Feel the energy and rhythm of the festival as a Mikoshi carrier and become part of this unforgettable tradition.
1h 40m
Musashino Hachimangu
1-1-23 Kichijojihigashicho, , Musashino, Japan
This guardian shrine of Kichijoji dates back to the 8th century. After the Great Meireki Fire in the 17th century, people from Edo rebuilt their lives in this area, establishing the town around the shrine. Today, locals visit Musashino Hachimangu to pray during New Year’s celebrations, festivals, family events, and more. On September 13, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., you’ll visit the shrine to learn about its history and the festival. Lastly, stroll through the town in festive spirit and witness the demonstration of all Mikoshi together, the highlight of the celebration.
20 min

Meeting and pickup

2 locations

Pickup details

Meet up at the Information desk on the 1st floor of the Atre Main Building, directly connected to Kichijoji Station. You can look for the flower shop next to the information desk as a landmark.