Akasaka Hikawa Matsuri

Once considered one of the most prestigious festivals in Edo alongside the Kanda and Sanno events, the Akasaka Hikawa Matsuri remains a massive autumn draw today. While the original portable shrines were tragically lost during WWII air raids, the resilient local community has stunningly restored the festival’s historic grandeur. You can catch spirited mikoshi processions throughout the three-day event, but the spectacular main parade—featuring gorgeous traditional dashi floats—takes place on Sunday afternoon starting around midday. Beyond the daytime processions, visitors should head to the shrine grounds on weekend evenings between 6:30 PM and 9:00 PM. Here, the atmosphere transforms with an energetic Bon Odori dance, offering a perfect blend of solemn tradition and lively community celebration.