Nanasha Shrine Grand Festival

About this event

The annual festival of Nanasha Shrine, enshrined in Kita Ward, Tokyo, is a major autumn festival with a history spanning over two hundred years. Held annually over two days on the Autumnal Equinox and the preceding day, it is regarded as the shrine's most important ritual. Ever since the shrine pavilion was reconstructed in Kansei 6 (1794), this period has been designated as the grand festival days and handed down to the present day. During the festivities, shinto entertainment and rituals such as a performance of Sato-kagura (a designated National Intangible Folk Cultural Property) by the Matsumoto Gennosuke Troupe, a neighborhood mikoshi (portable shrine) procession, maiden dances (miko-mai), and traditional Japanese dances are conducted. Approximately 60 to 70 festival stalls line the path from the approach to the shrine grounds, creating a vibrant community atmosphere. The annual festival is a sacred rite to express gratitude to the seven enshrined deities for the year's harvest and the peace of parishioners while praying for future tranquility, as well as an important annual event where local residents gather and deepen bonds. Key highlights include the Sato-kagura performance designated as a National Intangible Folk Cultural Property, the spirited neighborhood mikoshi procession parading through the area with energetic chants, and shinto entertainment such as maiden dances and Japanese dances dedicated on the kagura stage. Numerous street stalls also set up, further enlivening the festival atmosphere.

Venue

Nanasha Shrine

2-11-1 Nishigahara, Kita-ku, Tokyo 114-0024