Nikko Grand Autumn Festival

The Nikko Autumn Grand Festival (日光東照宮秋季大祭), held annually every October at the iconic Toshogu Shrine, is one of Japan's most highly anticipated cultural events. This vibrant festival celebrates Japan's rich cultural and historical heritage, with two major events taking center stage. The Yabusame, an exhilarating archery competition, features skilled archers who fire arrows while riding galloping horses, thrilling the audience with their precision and agility. Another key highlight is the Togyosai, also known as the “Hyakumonozoroi Sennin Musha Gyoretsu,” which reenacts the grand procession for Tokugawa Ieyasu's reburial. Over 1,200 participants, dressed in meticulously crafted Edo-period costumes, march along the shrine’s roads, bringing the atmosphere of feudal Japan to life.

Beyond the performances and reenactments, the Nikko Autumn Grand Festival offers an immersive experience into Japan’s Shinto traditions and Edo-period history. Visitors are transported back in time as the rituals and processions echo the grandeur of the past. The vibrant costumes, the energy of the participants, and the spiritual significance of the event combine to create an awe-inspiring atmosphere, making it an unforgettable experience for both locals and tourists alike.