The Sanno Festival is the grand annual festival of Hie Shrine, located in Tokyo's Nagatacho district. Its history stretches back more than 400 years to the Edo period, when Tokugawa Ieyasu designated Hie Shrine as both the guardian shrine of the Tokugawa clan and the protector of Edo itself.

Since the Edo era, the Sanno Festival and Kanda Matsuri have alternated hosting their large-scale "Honmatsuri" celebrations. That makes 2026 a particularly special year, as the festival's most impressive events only take place once every two years.

Festival Period: June 7-17, 2026 (11 days)

If there's one event you absolutely shouldn't miss, it's the Shinkosai Procession, the festival's biggest and most spectacular attraction. Held only during Honmatsuri years, this incredible parade transforms central Tokyo into a living history book.

Around 500 participants dressed in magnificent Heian-period court costumes escort sacred palanquins, portable shrines, and traditional festival floats on a journey spanning approximately 23 kilometers. Seeing these centuries-old traditions pass between the skyscrapers of Marunouchi and Ginza creates a surreal scene unlike anything else in Japan.

One of this year's biggest attractions is the debut of the Ebisu Float, inspired by festival floats from the Edo period. Featuring Ebisu, the lucky god of prosperity, riding atop a giant sea bream, it is expected to become one of the parade's most photographed highlights.

When & Where: June 12, 2026, 8 AM-6 PM. The route passes Hie Shrine, the Imperial Palace area, Tokyo Station, Ginza Chuo-dori, and other central Tokyo landmarks.

While the daytime procession showcases the elegance of old Japan, the evening belongs to pure festival energy.

After carrying their neighborhood mikoshi (portable shrines) through the city, teams from across Tokyo gather at Hie Shrine for one of the festival's most thrilling moments. One by one, they lift the massive shrines and rush up the shrine's steep 52-step Otokozaka staircase.

As chants of "Soiya!" and "Seiya!" echo through the grounds alongside traditional festival music, the atmosphere becomes electric. It's an unforgettable display of strength, teamwork, and Tokyo's enduring festival spirit.

When & Where: Evening of June 13, 2026, at Hie Shrine.

The celebrations extend well beyond the festival itself. During Sanno Festival week, several venues around Chiyoda City host special exhibitions and cultural experiences that bring Edo-era history to life.

Marunouchi Building (June 12-14)
See the historic Shizuka Gozen festival float, an authentic float used during the late Edo period, alongside the futuristic Tsunaguruma, a modern festival float that blends traditional culture with contemporary technology. Visitors can also enjoy traditional music performances and receive limited-edition souvenirs.

National Archives of Japan (June 12-14)
A special Tenka Matsuri exhibition showcases important cultural artifacts, historical documents, and colorful illustrations that reveal how grand Edo-period festivals once looked.

Hanzomon Museum (June 14)
History enthusiasts can attend a special lecture exploring lesser-known aspects of Edo culture and the lives of feudal lords.

One of the best things about the Sanno Festival is how easy it is to experience. The main venues and parade route are located right in the heart of Tokyo.

Hie Shrine
The festival's main venue is located in Nagatacho, Chiyoda City.

Nearest stations:
・Tameike-Sanno Station
・Akasaka-Mitsuke Station

Both are just a short walk from the shrine.

Shinkosai Parade Route
The procession travels through many of Tokyo's most famous districts, including:
・National Theatre area
・Imperial Palace vicinity
・Tokyo Station area
・Ginza Chuo-dori
・Nihonbashi

Simply hop off at any of these central Tokyo stations and you'll find yourself immersed in one of the city's most spectacular cultural celebrations.