Nezu Shrine Grand Festival
The Nezu Shrine Grand Festival is one of Tokyo’s most celebrated and historic Shinto festivals.
This annual event, known as the Reitaisai, is a major cultural highlight for the historic Yanesen area of the city.
Its history dates back over 300 years, and it is considered one of the great festivals of old Edo.
A main highlight is the grand Shinkō-sai parade, where the shrine’s main mikoshi is carried through the local streets.
The festival also provides a rare opportunity to see the Sanja-no-Mai dance, a designated national intangible cultural property.
This ancient and graceful dance is performed on the shrine’s historic kagura-den dance stage.
The path leading to the beautiful shrine is lined with hundreds of yatai, or festival stalls.
These stalls sell a wide variety of traditional festival foods, drinks, and games, creating a lively atmosphere.
The event is a wonderful chance to experience a traditional festival in one of Tokyo’s most charming neighborhoods.
Event Details
- Dates
- The festival is held annually on the weekend closest to September 21st.
- The dates are Saturday, September 20th – Sunday, September 21st, 2025.
- Time
- Festival stalls are open throughout the day and into the evening.
- The main mikoshi parade and dance performances are typically held in the afternoon.
- Location
- Nezu Shrine, Bunkyō-ku, Tokyo.
- Admission
- Entry to the shrine and festival area is free.
- Food and drinks are available for purchase at the stalls.
- Please Note
- The shrine and surrounding neighborhood can become very crowded during the festival.
- It is always recommended to check official sources before attending.
Directions & Travel Information
- By Train
- The shrine is easily accessible via a short walk from several subway stations.
- Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line
- The closest stations are Nezu Station and Sendagi Station.
- Both are approximately a 5-minute walk from the shrine.
- Tokyo Metro Namboku Line
- A nearby station is Tōdaimae Station.
- It is approximately a 5-minute walk from the shrine.
Event Summary
| calendar_month DATE | Sep 20 2025 - Sep 21 2025 |
|---|---|
| schedule TIME | ALL DAY |
| payments Cost | FREE |
| info Website | Official Website |
| location_on Location | Nezu Shrine |
|---|---|
| map Area | Tokyo Nezu |
| category CATEGORY | Festivals Shrines |
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