Kanda Matsuri

The Kanda Matsuri is one of the three great festivals of Edo, held at Kanda Myojin Shrine, and is a grand celebration that conveys the traditions of Tokyo to the present day. The shrine was founded in the 8th century, and the festival became extravagant during the Edo period. The main festival takes place in odd-numbered years, where the Shinkō-sai features portable shrines and floats that travel through 108 local towns, purifying the area. During the accompanying festivities, participants dressed in kimono pull floats inspired by old tales, and the town is filled with the lively sounds of festival music. The climax of the event occurs when the parade converges at Nihonbashi, creating a scene reminiscent of historical scrolls.