Japan has various kinds of seasonal events, and the period from summer to autumn is definitely the season of matsuri festivals! There are many approachable festivals even in the big city of Tokyo. One of them to be featured is “Kichijoji Autumn Festival” in Kichijoji, which is only a few stops away by train from Shinjuku and filled with local attractions. It is a perfect opportunity to casually experience Japan’s festival culture in Tokyo.
Located in Musashino City, the western part of Tokyo, Kichijoji has good access from Shinjuku and Shibuya, which takes only about 15 minutes by train. In the area around the station, there are department stores, several shotengai shopping streets, and a small alley called “Harmonica Yokocho,” lined with small drinking places. If you walk a bit from the station, you can find Inokashira Park. As a convenient town where you can get everything you need, Kichijoji is one of the most popular areas in Tokyo, and has been ranked high on several rankings of the most popular towns in Tokyo to live in.
One of the high points during the year is Kichijoji Autumn Festival in September. As many as 11 mikoshi portable shrines are carried around the town, creating a powerful sight! You can watch the mikoshi parade close-up and be overwhelmed by the excitement of the festival together with the local people. It is one of the best parts of this festival.
Below we will describe details of Kichijoji Autumn Festival. Read more and prepare for the next festival!
(It is scheduled to be held on September 9 (Sat) and 10 (Sun) in 2023.)
