Kagurazaka Festival: An Insider's Guide to Tokyo's Most Authentic Matsuri
- Shinya Yamada
- Sep 21
- 3 min read
Searching for a truly authentic matsuri in Tokyo, away from the major tourist crowds? As a resident of Kagurazaka for 25 years, the annual Akagi Shrine Grand Festival is an event I cherish, and yesterday, on September 20, 2025, I was reminded exactly why. While the evening started with a threat of rain, the skies had cleared by 7:00 PM, revealing a vibrant celebration buzzing with local energy. This wasn't just another event; it was a chance to reconnect with the heart of local Japanese culture in one of Tokyo's most charming neighborhoods.
The Spectacle of the Tokyo Mikoshi Parade
The moment I arrived, I was met with a breathtaking sight: the mikoshi (a portable shrine) from the Tsukiji-machi neighborhood was being carried out from the shrine grounds. With powerful, unified chants, the bearers hoisted the heavy shrine onto their shoulders and began their descent down the steep Akagizaka slope. As lanterns cast a warm glow on the procession, the magnificent mikoshi advancing through the dark night was a truly spectacular scene. It was a powerful reminder of how deeply these traditions are woven into the community.
The Atmosphere of a Local Tokyo Festival
Beyond the parade, the grounds were filled with lively Japanese food stalls (yatai), where everyone from young children to the elderly gathered to enjoy games and delicious food. What made this experience so special was that the event was almost entirely for locals; I saw hardly any other foreign visitors. This makes it a perfect recommendation for travelers seeking an authentic Tokyo matsuri. This intimate atmosphere offers a genuine glimpse into a community's celebration.
The accessibility is also a huge plus. Akagi Shrine is just a one-minute walk from Exit 1b of Kagurazaka Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line, making it incredibly easy to visit.
Your Guide to the Kagurazaka Festival
If you missed the events on the 20th, you're in luck. The festivities, including the mikoshi parades and food stalls, continue on September 21st. The adult mikoshi processions will begin at 2:00 PM. I highly recommend coming to see the sight of the mikoshi being carried down Kagurazaka-dori, a historic street built by the third shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu. It is an experience that is sure to move you. The Kagurazaka festival is a perfect opportunity to witness this living history.
Discover More: Other Must-See Festivals in Kagurazaka
Kagurazaka's festive spirit doesn't end in September. This neighborhood is truly one of Tokyo's best-kept secrets for cultural events.
Starting October 11th, the area's largest festival, the Kagurazaka Machi Tobi Festa 2025, kicks off and runs until November 3rd. This month-long celebration features traditional arts like Noh theater, kumihimo braiding, and wagashi-making classes.
Within this larger festival is a world-famous event: the Bakeneko Cat Festival 2025. Inspired by the novel "I Am a Cat" by Natsume Soseki, who once lived in Kagurazaka, this unique cat-themed Halloween parade attracts cat lovers from all over the globe.
If you want to feel the true heartbeat of Japan, come to Kagurazaka. Whether you're watching a sacred mikoshi parade or joining a playful procession of cats, this is where you can experience the soul of a Tokyo neighborhood festival.
Read more about these October festivals in Kagurazaka here
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How to Access Kagurazaka
The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes from any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.
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