Shinagawa Shukuba-matsuri Festival しながわ宿場まつり

Shinagawa Shukuba Matsuri, held since 1990, celebrates the tradition and cultural heritage of Shinagawa, an area that thrived as the first of the 53 post stations of the Tokaido. The festival is held along a two-kilometer-long stretch of the former Tokaido between Yatsuyama, in Kita Shinagawa, and Aomono-yokocho, in Minami Shinagawa. On Saturday at 4 p.m. is a procession of glamorous oiran courtesans. On Sunday at noon is a traffic safety parade featuring participants dressed as Edo-style candy vendors, newsboys, and town girls. Other attractions are organized throughout the area including lessons in classical handmade toys, firewalking, Tsuji Rakugo storytelling, taiko drumming, refreshment stalls, and a food fair presenting tasty delights from across Japan. Join the crowd and enjoy the atmosphere of the premodern post town.