Kagurazaka Matsuri (Festival) 2024 is Just Around the Corner
With just 10 days remaining until the 50th Kagurazaka Matsuri (Festival) 2024, which will be held from Wednesday, July 24th, to Saturday, July 27th, excitement is building. This milestone event promises to be more spectacular than ever. Come and enjoy the festival in Kagurazaka, Shinjuku Ward, the birthplace of Tokyo’s food stalls. The event will proceed even in light rain, but please note that severe weather may result in changes or cancellations.
Event Dates: July 24th (Wed) to 27th (Sat), 2024
Part 1: July 24th (Wed) & 25th (Thu)
◆ Hozuki (Chinese lantern plant) Market
At Zenkokuji Temple (Bishamonten), we will be selling potted “Hozuki (Chinese lantern plant)” plants. These are sold by volunteers at a reasonable price of ¥2,500 per pot.
[Hozuki and Food Stall Hours] 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
You can enjoy food from nearby restaurants and specialty stores at the food stalls. This year, to celebrate the 50th anniversary, the number of food stalls will be increased to 50, along with the Hozuki plant sale and children's fair. It is said that Tokyo's food stalls (Yatai) first began in the grounds of Zenkokuji Temple (Bishamonten). Additionally, this event also marked the establishment of Tokyo's first pedestrian-only zone.
◆ Bishamonten Children’s Fair <5:00 PM – 8:00 PM>
At the Bishamonten Temple grounds, children can enjoy traditional fair games like super ball scooping and yo-yo fishing. (For children of junior high school age and younger)
★ “Yukata Concierge”
From 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Staff from the NPO “Iki na Machizukuri Club” will guide you through the alleys and highlights of Kagurazaka in Yukata. Each tour lasts about 50-60 minutes. (Limited to 100 participants per day, fee: ¥1,000)
Registration at Kagurazaka Commons (Honda Yokocho)
◆ Bishamonten Zenkokuji Houroku Burning Ceremony
This traditional ritual is held during the summer to pray for health and protection from the heat. Participants place a ceramic disc on their heads and burn mugwort on it. Everyone is welcome to participate. A lottery will select 10 participants.
[Date] July 25th (Thu)
[Times] 3:00 PM & 5:00 PM (additional sessions may be added if there are many applicants)
[Location] Bishamonten Zenkokuji Temple
[Fee] ¥3,000
[Inquiries & Applications] Bishamonten Zenkokuji Temple TEL: 03-3269-0641
Part 2: July 26th (Fri) & 27th (Sat)
◆ Awa Odori Dance Festival
[Performance Times]
July 26th (Fri) & 27th (Sat) 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Children’s Awa Odori Dance Festival
July 27th (Sat) 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Traffic Restrictions
July 24th & 25th: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
July 26th: 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
July 27th: 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Kagurazaka Street will be closed to vehicular traffic.
Important Notices
Please refrain from placing mats, chairs, or tables on the sidewalks to reserve spots.
Be cautious when passing through the area with bicycles or strollers during event hours.
Trash bins at the venue are for sorted collection. If possible, please take your trash home to help reduce waste.
There are no parking or bicycle parking facilities available.
Book Each Experience
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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