Daikoku Matsuri

The Daikoku Matsuri is a significant winter festival held annually in mid-January at Kanda Myojin Shrine in Tokyo. This event celebrates Daikokuten, the deity of wealth, agriculture, and good fortune, who is one of the Seven Gods of Fortune. As the first major festival following the New Year (hatsumode), it attracts thousands of visitors seeking prosperity and success for their personal and professional endeavors. The shrine’s long-standing association with the local merchant class and the nearby business districts makes it a focal point for corporate blessings at the start of the calendar year.

The festival’s primary ritual involves a Shinto performer dressed as Daikokuten performing a traditional dance and shaking a sacred golden mallet (uchide no kozuchi) over the heads of worshippers. This act is believed to grant luck and wealth to those in attendance. A specific highlight occurs on the Sunday coinciding with Coming of Age Day, where the blessing is bestowed upon young adults who have recently reached maturity. Additional festivities include the rhythmic pounding of mochi (rice cakes) and various purification rites performed by the shrine’s priests.

For visitors, the Sunday afternoon session is the most popular, and the main courtyard can become extremely crowded, particularly during the 3:00 PM mallet blessing. It is recommended to arrive at the precinct at least 45 minutes early to secure a clear viewing position near the main hall. The shrine is conveniently located within a 10-minute walk of Ochanomizu and Akihabara stations. Visitors should also consider exploring the numerous food stalls selling traditional winter snacks and the permanent cultural exhibits within the shrine’s modern facilities.