The procession — actually featuring about 1,200 participants — takes place on the second day of the Nikkō Tōshōgū Shrine Grand Festival in Spring. There is also an autumn version.
The Tōshōgū Shrine was the shrine of the Tokugawa clan who ruled Japan continuously from 1603 to 1868.
What happens?
Starting at 11 a.m., participants dress as warriors in samurai armour and escort mikoshi (portable shoulder borne shrines) to a hall in the sprawling shrine grounds. The authentic armour and weapons along with the scale of the event offer a unique opportunity to appreciate what the Shōgun’s army must have looked like.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.