Top Things to Do in Kagurazaka: Experience Two Matsuri Festivals in Tokyo, September 2025
- Shinya Yamada
- Sep 18, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 21, 2025
Things to Do in Kagurazaka During Autumn Festival Season
If you are planning your trip and wondering about the best things to do in Kagurazaka, there is no better time than September, when the neighborhood comes alive with vibrant traditional festivals. Nestled in the heart of Tokyo, Kagurazaka is famous for its cobblestone alleys, hidden eateries, and cultural heritage—but it is during festival season that its spirit truly shines.
From September 13th to 15th, 2025, Tsukudo Hachiman Shrine held its annual celebration, one of the most authentic events in the area. On the 14th, locals paraded the mikoshi (portable Shinto shrine) along Kagurazaka dori street, filling the streets with chants and energy. Despite the heat, the festival had a rustic, heartwarming charm that reflected the true community spirit of this neighborhood. As a local resident, I feel especially connected to this shrine and festival.
A Hidden Gem: Tsukudo Hachiman Shrine
One of the oldest shrines in Tokyo, Tsukudo Hachiman’s history stretches back 1,200 years to the era of Emperor Saga. It features the oldest stone torii gate in Shinjuku Ward, a designated Tangible Cultural Property, and a rare Koshin-to tower with two monkeys, recognized as a Folk-Cultural Property.
In spring, the shrine’s cherry blossoms make it breathtakingly beautiful, though it remains a little-known secret spot for hanami. Unlike larger events such as Kagurazaka Matsuri, this festival keeps a simple, local atmosphere—one reason it feels so special.
The Highlight: Akagi Shrine’s Grand Celebration (Sept. 19–21, 2025)
If you missed the Tsukudo Hachiman festival, don’t worry. The famous Akagi Shrine will host its annual Kagurazaka Festival from Friday, September 19th to Sunday, September 21st, 2025. This is the main Tokyo festival in September 2025 for the neighborhood and a true must-see for anyone exploring the city.
Mikoshi Parade Schedule:
Saturday, Sept. 20th: Children’s mikoshi and floats at 2:00 p.m.; Adult mikoshi at 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 21st: Children’s mikoshi at 10:30 a.m.; Adult mikoshi at 2:00 p.m.
The adult mikoshi procession covers about 300 meters, from Kagurazaka-ue intersection back to Akagi Shrine. Best of all, anyone can join as a mikoshi bearer—making this one of the most immersive cultural experiences in Tokyo.
Festival Highlights
The weekend will be bustling, with over 50 food and game stalls lining Kagurazaka Street. The air fills with aromas of festival favorites, from takoyaki to yakitori. On Saturday, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., visitors can also enjoy the sacred Ancient Miko Procession, a rare cultural performance offered as part of the Tokyo autumn festival season.
Historically, Akagi Shrine was one of the “Three Great Shrines of Edo,” alongside Hie Shrine and Kanda Myojin, whose mikoshi were once allowed into Edo Castle. Today, its striking redesign by renowned architect Kengo Kuma blends the ancient and the contemporary, reflecting how Tokyo preserves its heritage while embracing the modern.
Make Your Kagurazaka Visit Unforgettable
Experiencing a Kagurazaka festival is one of the top things to do in Kagurazaka, but it’s just the beginning. To deepen your connection with the neighborhood, consider joining a guided walking tour through Kagurazaka’s hidden alleys, an izakaya-hopping adventure, or a hands-on kumihimo braiding workshop.
Whether you’re exploring Tokyo in fall or planning your trip around the Tokyo autumn festival calendar, Kagurazaka offers a rare chance to experience tradition in an intimate, authentic setting.
Feel free to contact us for more details—we would be delighted to help you make unforgettable memories in Kagurazaka.
As a final note, October brings Kagurazaka’s largest celebration, the Machi Tobi Festa, as well as the whimsical Bakeneko Festival, a costume parade that attracts cat lovers from around the world. Autumn is when Kagurazaka shines the brightest—be sure to return then to experience its magic.
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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