Haijima Hiyoshi Shrine Annual Grand Festival: The 259th Sakaki Festival

About this event

Passed down in Akishima, Tokyo, and known nationwide as a rare dawn festival, the Sakaki Festival of Haijima Hiyoshi Shrine will take place from September 12 to 13, 2026. Celebrating its 259th edition this year, this annual grand festival features traditional events designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. At 19:00 on the eve of the festival, Saturday, September 12, the procession of floats from three neighborhoods (Sancho Yatai) begins, marking the opening of the festival. On Sunday, September 13, the main festival day, the Sakaki Mikoshi (sacred tree portable shrine) procession starts just after midnight (0:00 AM) and is carried vigorously through the town from late night until early morning. This serves as a purification ritual prior to the procession of the main shrine mikoshi; at dawn, it returns to the grounds, where the bearers engage in the valiant "Sakaki-tori" branch-plucking contest. Legend has it that those who obtain a branch of this sacred Sakaki tree will enjoy good health and happiness. From 13:00, the main shrine mikoshi procession and float parade resume, and around 15:30 in front of the Nio-mon Gate, a musical competition of festival dolls rising from the three neighborhood floats will be showcased. Distinct musical traditions (hayashi) have been passed down in Kami-cho, Naka-cho, and Shimo-cho, making their ensemble contest truly spectacular. Traffic regulations and bus route adjustments are also scheduled during the festival.

Venue

Hiyoshi Shrine

1-10-19 Haijimacho, Akishima, Tokyo 196-0002