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Updated: October 2, 2023

Nezu-jinja Shrine Annual Grand Festival 根津神社例大祭

1-28-9 Nezu, Bunkyo City, Tokyo
2023-9-16 - 2023-9-17

Note: The 2023 installment of this event has already taken place.

Nezu-jinja Shrine is a well-known spot to see azaleas, with roughly 3,000 blooming there each spring. In September, it hosts one of the three great festivals of Edo: the Nezu-jinja Shrine Annual Grand Festival. The shogun (military commander) Tokugawa Ienobu is said to have established this festival in 1714. In ancient times, grand festival floats would gather from all over Edo, as Tokyo was once called—a spectacle so majestic that it was called the Tenka Matsuri (World Festival). This regular event now features gongen taiko drumming and urayasu dancing. Vendors and stalls are set up throughout the vast shrine grounds, creating a lively festival atmosphere.

Many of the buildings, including halls and gates, remain just as they were when they were built in 1706. These structures convey the shrine architecture of the time, and are designated as Important Cultural Properties. Even if you can't make it during the festival period, Nezu-jinja Shrine is still well worth the visit.


Photo provided by Nezu-jinja Shrine


Photo provided by Nezu-jinja Shrine

How to Get There

  • Nezu Station | 5 min on foot
    Chiyoda Line
  • Sendagi Station | 5 min on foot
    Chiyoda Line
  • Todaimae Station | 5 min on foot
    Namboku Line

Your current location:

Northern Tokyo

Yanaka & Nezu

Keywords

Opening Hours

  • For start and finish times, visit the official website.

Please check the official event website for the latest updates on opening dates and times, prices, and other information.