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Sanno Matsuri at Hie Shrine - Tokyo Hotels .com

Sanno Matsuri Drum

Held at the ancient Hie Jinja Shrine in Tokyo, the Sanno Matsuri (Sanno Festival) is one of the grandest, most extravagant festivals in Japan and has been for some time. First held in 1478, the Sanno Matsuri is one of three major festivals (along with the Kanda Matsuri at Kanda Myoujin Shrine and the Asakusa Sanja Matsuri) in Japan that date all the way back to the magnificent Edo period. The festival features a solemn, yet festive and friendly atmosphere.

As always, culture is a highlight: There is ceremonial dancing and Shinto music aplenty. Marionette performances and other theatrical exhibitions are put on as well. At the peak of the festivities, thousands of celebrants process with portable shrines, alongside luminous floats that light up the night sky -- a beautiful sight that visitors won't want to miss.