This annual festival in mid-January honours Daikoku, the deity of fortune, and is held close to Japan's Coming of Age Day the same month. Daikoku Matsuri looks to attract those seeking additional good luck well into the new year.
A Shinto dancer dresses up as Daikokuten, one of the Seven Lucky Gods, before granting prosperity by shaking a lucky mallet over the heads of those newly come of age.
Highlights include a misogi water ritual purification on the first day (from 10am), which sees young adults pouring icy cold water out of buckets. The second day sees a Shijoryu Hochodo performance from 12pm, which demonstrates masterful control in wielding a kitchen knife in this artistic fish-filleting ritual. Both activities are sure to keep revellers entertained.
Getting there
Kanda Myojin Shrine is a 5-minute walk from Ochanomizu Station on the Chiyoda, Marunoch, or Chuo Line, and 7-minute walk from Yushima Station on the Chiyoda Line.
More info
Find out more about Kanda Myojin Shrine.
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