The Fukagawa Hachiman Festival 2024, one of Edo's three major festivals, unfolds as a vibrant summer celebration at Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine in Koto Ward, Tokyo.
Photo provided by: Tokyo Date
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Overview of Fukagawa Hachiman Matauri
The Fukagawa Hachiman Festival, one of the three major festivals of Edo, is a summer festival at Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine in Koto Ward, Tokyo.
It is also famous as the 'Water Throw Festival' because spectators throw water at people carrying portable shrines.
This major event represents Tokyo and attracts approximately 300,000 visitors every year.
The three major festivals of Edo, which represent Tokyo, include the Fukagawa Hachiman Festival, the Kanda Festival at Kanda Myojin Shrine, and the Sanno Festival at Akasaka Hie Shrine.
History and Significance of the Festival
The Fukagawa Hachiman Matsuri began in 1642 to celebrate the succession of Ietsuna, the eldest son of Tokugawa Iemitsu.
Tokugawa Iemitsu, the grandson of Tokugawa Ieyasu—the founder of the Edo Shogunate—is the third shogun of the Edo Shogunate.
This festival occurs on a three-year cycle, with the main festival happening once every three years. During the main festival, mikoshi decorated with phoenixes appear, and the sight of 53 large mikoshi paraded through the city is a spectacle to behold.
Highlights of the Festival
Photo provided by: Tokyo Date
The highlight of this festival is the water throwing, which serves the purpose of purification.
Additionally, purification water is prepared along the entire route, and tourists can join in by throwing water at people carrying portable shrines.
By splashing water, the audience and the portable shrine bearers all come together and have fun.
However, be prepared to soak thoroughly rather than just getting a little wet!
You should bring
- Towels
- Change of clothes
- Shoes that can get wet
- Waterproof phone case
Dates and Schedule for Fukagawa Hachiman Festival 2024
Dates: 5 days around August 15, 2024
Venue: Tomioka Hachiman Shrine
Address: 1 Chome-20-3 Tomioka, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0047, Japan
Access: 3 minute-walk from Monzen-nakacho Station
Official Website: Fukagawa Matsuri (Japanese)