Kanda Matsuri 2025
Tokyo is a city of neon lights, towering skyscrapers, and cutting-edge technology. This hyper-modern metropolis has pockets of thriving ancient traditions. The Kanda Matsuri (神田祭) is an example. It’s one of Tokyo’s “Big Three” Shinto festivals. The others are the Sanja and the Sanno. Photographers love them.
Guess what? 2025 was my first time to shoot it. I’ve seen the others, but not the Kanda. Thirty years to see this festival is a long time.
Where is the Kanda Matsuri?
Kanda Myojin Shrine. Please read my full article about it.
The origin of the festival
The Kanda Matsuri’s history stretches back to the Edo Period (1603-1868). It celebrated Tokugawa Ieyasu’s victory at the Battle of Sekigahara. Over time, it evolved into a festival for the prosperity and good fortune of the Shogunate and the common people.
Today, the Kanda Matsuri takes place in mid-May. The main festival (Shinkosai) occurs only in odd-numbered years.
Even-numbered years have a smaller-scale version or shadow festival (Kage-matsuri). It’s impressive but without the grand main procession.
The festival celebrates the three deities (kami) enshrined at Kanda Myojin. They are Daikokuten (god of wealth and good harvest), Ebisu (god of fishermen and luck), and Taira no Masakado (a deified samurai spirit).
The spectacle of the Shinkosai
The highlight is the “Shinkosai” (Main Procession) on the Saturday closest to May 15th. This is a day-long parade. The kami are paraded through the central Tokyo districts that Kanda Myojin protects. That includes Kanda, Nihonbashi, Akihabara, and Marunouchi.
Unfortunately, rain prevented me from going in 2025. I couldn’t bring myself to photograph the parade in gloomy conditions. It’s a decision I regret. Next time I’ll go regardless of the weather.
Mikoshi Miyairi after the Shinkosai
It doesn’t stop with Shinkosai. Over 100 mikoshi head to Kanda Myojin Shrine the following day.
Groups dress in happi coats and carry their mikoshi to the main hall for purification and blessings. This “Mikoshi Miyairi” is a boisterous and joyful display of community pride and devotion. This is what I photographed.
The Mikoshi Miyari is great. Kanda Myojin has a massive courtyard in front of the main hall. But it does start there! No.
The mikoshi line up on the road, all the way to Ochanomizu Station! That’s far. I have no idea where the starting point is, though. Traffic is diverted. Police are all over the place.
Festival photo tips
- Check the sun’s location (Suncalc) before going: Why? Nothing’s worse than shooting into the sun. Knowing where it will be at various times of the day might be an advantage.
- Arrive early: Why? Camping a spot might get you the perfect festival photo. Also, the police put up barriers that can impede foot traffic.
- Use burst mode: Clicking the shutter button takes time. Photo opportunities come and go in the blink of an eye. Burst mode increases the chance of getting keepers.
Conclusion
For me, finally witnessing this spectacle after three decades was an experience. It was a pity the Shinkosai eluded me due to the rain. That became a valuable lesson. Always show up, regardless!
Tokyo continues to surprise with pockets of deep-rooted culture. The Kanda Matsuri is undoubtedly one of its jewels. I’m looking forward to the next odd-numbered year. Hopefully, my photo tips will help you capture your unforgettable moments when you experience them. Leave questions and comments below.
Date of Photos: 11 May 2025
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has been photographing Tokyo since 2011. He shoots it with his Canon EOS R5.
External related websites:
- Kanda Myojin Shrine (official website)