Tokyo & Vicinity LOCAL EVENTS

Toshogu Shrine Autumn Festival in Nikko | Oct. 16 - 17, 2023

One of the biggest festivals in the historic area of Nikko is held at the Nikko Toshogu Shrine.

This festival takes place in both spring and autumn, with the autumn event being slightly smaller. However, autumn is the perfect time to appreciate the stunning mountain scenery in Nikko, covered in a range of colorful leaves.

*It's suggested to plan a trip to Nikko with the traffic in mind, as it can be crowded with tourists from late October to mid-November.

Toshogu Shrine Autumn Festival in Nikko
日光東照宮秋季大祭

October 16th and 17th
Location: Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture

Highlights: 

16th from 13:00(1:00PM)
Horseback Archery - Yabusame (1-hour event)
Yabusame is the art of shooting arrows on horseback, performed as a traditional ceremony that derives from horse riding exercises for Samurai Warriors back 900 years.
YouTube- Yabusame at Toshogu Shrine: http://youtu.be/OHGXN7unWxA

17th from 11:00AM
Samurai Parade - Hyakumono Zoroi Sennin Gyouretsu 百物揃千人行列
A large parade of people in various Samurai costumes, solemnly walking in procession.
YouTube by Nikko Kankokyoku http://youtu.be/yr92BrIWvNc

Nikko Tourist Association
https://www.visitnikko.jp/en/

Related article on digi-joho TOKYO: Nikko City and Nikko National Park | Areas and Attractions