Nikko Toshogu Shuki Taisai Grand Autumn Festival 日光東照宮秋季大祭

Toshogu Shrine was built to enshrine and deify Tokugawa Ieyasu after his death. Twice a year, Toshogu Shrine celebrates the momentous occasion of his spirit arriving at the shrine. The Shuki Taisai Grand Autumn Festival in October honors this legendary leader.

The Shuki Taisai Grand Autumn Festival takes place at Toshogu Shrine in Nikko and can be accessed by public transportation or car or on foot. The closest station is Nikko Station.

If time is not a concern, there are many things to see and do on the walk to Toshogu Shrine . The walk takes about 45 minutes from Nikko Station.

Alternatively, from Nikko Station, you can take the World Heritage Sightseeing Bus which makes stops at the UNESCO Heritage sites including the Toshogu Shrine . The bus ride will take about 15 minutes.

During the Shuki Taisai Grand Autumn Festival, you can enjoy a variety of shows and events. Watch the demonstrations of traditional warrior skills like longbow archery and horseback archery.

The most significant event during the festival is the samurai parade. During this parade, 1,000 fully armored samurai march along the streets, recreating the escort of Tokugawa Ieyasu's spirit to Toshogu Shrine .

The festival is held October 16 and 17 every year. If you don't get the chance to see this one, the Shunki Reitaisai festival is held in spring.