Nikko Toshogu Autumn Grand Festival

About this event

At the Nikko Toshogu Autumn Grand Festival, a magnificent procession known as the Togyosai (Procession of 1,000 Samurai Warriors in Armor) is performed, reenacting the historic procession when the divine spirit of Tokugawa Ieyasu was re-enshrined from Mt. Kuno in Sunpu to Nikko. A procession of around 1,200 people marches about 1 kilometer from the Omotesando approach to the Otabisho, followed at the very rear by portable shrines (mikoshi). Upon the procession's arrival at the Otabisho, the Otabisho Festival takes place, featuring ancient and graceful dedications of the 'Yaotome Dance' by shrine maidens of Nikko Futarasan Shrine and the 'Azuma Asobi Dance' by Nikko Toshogu Shinto priests. On the previous day, the ritual Yabusame (horseback archery) is held on the Omotesando approach, where 12 elite archers shoot at targets with valiant shouts. The thrilling Yabusame and the gorgeous 1,000-samurai procession are must-see highlights.

Venue

Nikko Toshogu Shrine

2301 Sannai, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1431