What is Kanda Matsuri?

Kanda Matsuri (神田祭) is considered among the top three festivals in Tokyo and the entire country. It is a very lively celebration that involves parades presenting over 200 mikoshi (portable Shinto shrines).

This happens only in years that end in odd numbers. It alternates with yet another important festival, the Sanno Matsuri, which is held in even-numbered years. Kanda Matsuri is a week-long celebration that starts on the weekend closest to May 15th. 

Today, you’ll know more about this festival dedicated to three Shinto deities in Japan.

Why is Kanda Matsuri celebrated?

Nowadays, the festival honors the gods or kami enshrined in Kanda Myojin. These deities are Daikokuten (god of fortune and wealth), Ebisu (deity of luck and fishermen), and Taira no Masakado (a Heian period samurai), and they’re known as the guardians of 108 neighborhoods in Tokyo.

Kanda Matsuri was first held during the Edo Period (during the 17th century) after one of Japan’s Great Unifiers, Tokugawa Ieyasu, became the victor at the battle of Sekigahara. It was celebrated to show peace and prosperity under the shogun’s regime, which lasted for over two centuries.

Kanda Matsuri was originally held yearly with Sanno Matsuri. In the past, the procession of these festivals was given the special privilege to pass through the grounds of Edo Castle, a site that’s currently part of the  Tokyo Imperial Palace. But since the competition between the two celebrations got fiercer, it was decided that they’ll be held alternately.

Kanda Myojin Deities

Daikokuten

Daikokuten (or Daikoku) is a revered god in the Shinto belief and is worshiped throughout the country. He is often depicted as a plump, smiling figure wearing a big, black hat and carrying a bag full of treasure. He is part of the deities associated with prosperity and blessings. He is an embodiment of the material wealth abundance that people strive to achieve.

Ebisu

Ebisu is the patron god of fisherfolk and merchants in the Shinto religion. Depictions of his image are typically of a plump, bearded fisherman, holding a rod in one hand and a sea bream (a symbol of good luck) in the other.

Worship of Ebisu is common in fishing villages and coastal regions, where locals pay homage to him for bountiful catches, safety at sea, and overall prosperity in their livelihoods. 

Taira no Masakado

Taira no Masakado is a legendary samurai whose deification ties with Japanese folklore and history, blurring the lines between myth and reality. He was born in the 10th century and was from the Taira clan, a powerful lineage of samurai during the Heian period.

Taira no Masakado stages many uprisings in the country and although his rebellion was eventually quelled, his fierce spirit left a huge impact on the collective consciousness of the Japanese people. After his death, his legend began to spread, giving rise to numerous stories and myths surrounding his supernatural abilities and enduring presence.

The Significance of Kanda Matsuri 

From a celebration of victory in a decisive battle, Kanda Matsuri became a festival in celebration of good fortune and prosperity in modern times. 

Kanda Matsuri’s importance stems from a pivotal moment in Japanese history—the battle of Sekigahara. After the decisive victory, the reign of the Tokugawa shogunate brought stability, economic growth, and peace to the country.

What happens during Kanda Matsuri?

Although Kanda Matsuri is a week-long celebration, it has two major events that are always held on a Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday Procession

The Saturday nearest May 15 is when Kanda Matsuri begins. On that day, a procession (called shinkosai) passes through some old neighborhoods in Central Tokyo, including the districts of Otemachi, Nihonbashi, Kanda, and Akihabara. The event takes the entire day, starting from 8 AM until 7 PM. 

The lively procession includes samurai uniform-clad horseback riders, people wearing traditional clothes, floats that feature characters from folk stories, dancers, and musicians.

Sunday Procession

The festivities continue on Sunday. The highlights of this day are the Mikoshi parades that pass through the bustling streets of Tokyo. Portable shrines, each housing revered deities of the local neighborhood, are carried by the participants to give blessings to people in the area.

In this lively celebration, you'll see individuals wearing the traditional Japanese garment known as happi. These distinctive coats hold deep cultural significance and are commonly worn during festivals such as the renowned Kanda Matsuri. And if you’re lucky, you’ll catch sight of men donning fundoshi, a traditional form of Japanese underwear.

Dishes and Street Foods to Enjoy During Kanda Matsuri

In every festival in Japan, there’s yet another important aspect to enjoy. And that is none other than food. 

Most festivals, including Kanda Matsuri, have stalls that sell yakitori (skewered chicken), yakisoba (fried noodles), takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (Japanese-style, savory, pancakes), and sweets like watame (cotton candy), ringo ame (apple candies), and taiyaki (cakes shaped like a fish with fillings).

Some stalls serve other traditional Japanese sweet treats like kushiyaki dango (a mochi-based snack) and oyaki (a dumpling with fillings like anko or red bean paste).

Kanda Myojin Lucky Charms

Lucky charms or omamori (御守/お守り) are often found in Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines in Japan. These amulets are believed to provide the owner with protection or different forms of luck.

There is a charm that will suit everyone—from people who want to achieve success in their business to those seeking love. These charms can be purchased for personal use or to be given as gifts to friends and loved ones. Buying charms is also a form of donation to the shrine or temple.

Here are some of the charms offered at Kanda Myojin:

• Daikoku-sama’s charm for people who looking for love
• Ebisu-sama’s charm for good health and success
• Masakado-sama’s charm for warding away the evil spirits
• Kachi mamori (victory charm). It is believed that this type of charm helped Tokugawa on his path to victory.

Good to Know

As one of the most important festivals in Japan, you can expect Kanda Matsuri to be full of people. The procession might not be easy to follow on both days. It can also be difficult to get near the shrine or the major streets where the parade passes by.

If you plan to witness Kanda Matsuri in the future, plan accordingly. Look for the best viewing locations as well as the latest information regarding the crowds in the area. In the meantime, get your own Japanese Snack Box to celebrate at home just like you were in Japan!