Kyoto? No, it's Tokyo! | The thousand-year-old craze "Kanda Matsuri"

#SeasonalEvent “It’s not just the Gion Festival!” A true Japanese festival is here—Welcome to Tokyo’s largest traditional festival, which even the locals secretly boast about. ■ Kanda Festival | Kanda Shrine, Tokyo The Kanda Festival, which boasts a history of about 1,300 years, is known as one of the three major festivals in Japan and the three major festivals in Edo, and is a grand festival also known as the “Tenka Matsuri”. Its origins began as a prayer to the gods to thank them and for bountiful harvests and good health. Now, it lives on in modern Tokyo as a “festival of the heart” that protects the bonds of the community and traditional culture. • Location: Kanda Shrine and its surrounding areas, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo • Time: Mid-May and weekends in odd-numbered years (once every two years) • Access: 5-minute walk from Ochanomizu Station on the JR Chuo Line and Sobu Line ■ Don’t miss it! Three famous scenes ▫ Shinkosai procession A grand procession of priests and parishioners dressed in Heian period costumes carrying the spirit of the god. It's like going back in time! ▫ Tsukematsuri Giant floats, dolls, and cosplayers gather in Nihonbashi. A parade of several thousand people heats up the streets of Tokyo! ▫ Mikoshi Miyairi More than 200 mikoshi from 108 neighborhoods including Kanda, Nihonbashi, and Akihabara march toward Kanda Myojin Shrine with powerful chants! The excitement continues from morning to night! ■ You'll be missing out if you don't try it! 3 "tricks" to the festival ✔ Kimono rental experience During the event, kimono rental stores are also very busy! With limited edition designs and obi arrangements, you'll feel like a festival princess ♪ It's a good idea to change into your clothes before heading out! ✔ Anime Character Bon Odori There will also be an "Anime Song Bon Odori" where you can dance with characters from popular anime and games! A dream collaboration space where your otaku heart will dance! ✔ A treasure trove of Tokyo gourmet At the festival stalls, you can enjoy everything from classics like takoyaki, yakisoba, and taiyaki to regional gourmet! Festival x appetite = happiness guaranteed! ■ The sound of drums echoing through the Tokyo night——listen to the heartbeat of a thousand-year-old festival. A one-of-a-kind Japanese-style festival where tradition and pop culture come together. Why not experience the excitement of the "Tenka Matsuri" in Tokyo in May? The shouts of the mikoshi, the sound of drums, the sound of yukata passing by... It's sure to be an unforgettable day somewhere in your heart.