The roar of a modern city fades. In its place, you hear the quiet clank of lacquered armor and the soft thud of traditional sandals on asphalt. This is the Kachiya Matsuri at Kameido Katori Shrine, where for one afternoon, the pomp and pageantry of Japan’s Heian Period return to the streets of Tokyo.
I watched as historical reenactors, bearing the 15kg weight of their replica armor under a hot May sun, geared up to honor a battle fought 1000 years ago. It’s more than a parade; it’s a time machine, and one of the most unique photo opportunities in the city.
The day began on the grounds of Kameido Katori Shrine, a small space buzzing with energy. Warriors were carefully strapping on armor plates, their faces a mix of intense concentration and friendly excitement. This was the golden hour for photography; the participants were happy to pose, allowing you to capture the incredible detail on their helmets and weapons.
Once the procession began, however, the challenge grew. I had planned my shot near Kameido Station, assuming they’d march on the left side of the road. A classic mistake! The parade proceeded on the right, leaving me separated by a line of police. A frantic dash for a new position was a humbling reminder that even with ancient events, you have to expect the unexpected.
The parade wrapped up with a dedication ceremony and a sacred Miko (shrine maiden) dance. Unfortunately, the shrine grounds were packed with a crowd of what must have been a thousand spectators, and the evening light was fading fast, making final photos a true challenge.
It’s a mix. Before the parade, participants are very friendly and open to photos. This is the best time to get clean, detailed shots. However, the parade itself is tough. Be aware that the procession marches on the right side of the road. Also, expect support vehicles and traffic police to get in your frame. The final ceremony at the shrine is extremely crowded, so secure a spot early if you want good pictures.
In 940 CE, the warrior Fujiwara no Hidesato prayed at this shrine before defeating the rebel Taira no Masakado. In gratitude, he donated his “winning arrow” (kachiya). The shrine has celebrated the victory on May 5th ever since.
About fifty reenactors take part in the main procession in 2024.
The march takes about two hours.
It’s in Tokyo’s Koto Ward, a ten-minute walk from Kameido Station. You can find its official website here.
There might have been a crowd of 1000 at the shrine. Japanese medieval history still gets attention. That is good for photographers!
Conclusion
Put this event on your bucket list. It isn’t simple cosplay. It is history. History shows how countries develop as they do. And that is why the samurai parade is an event worthy of support. It brings a little piece of the Heian period back to show where Japan has come from.
If you are a shrine lover, Kameido Katori is a place to visit. Due to its winning history, it has ties to modern Japanese sports! I’ll have a full article here about it one day. I’ll let you know when that happens.
Date of photos: May 5, 2024
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and plans to capture the entire city.
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2 Responses
It is a shame that the age of the participates looks so old, Would not the samurai have been much younger. So is it wrong to say that there is much less interest in the younger generation.
Thanks for the comment Stephen. The people who took part in the parade were mostly promient figures in the area. So many were from the business, charity groups or community groups. They were naturally older due to their positions. While not shown in the photos, many of the spectactors were younger people. The Japanese are quite proud of their medieval history and rightly so.