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Hyakumono Soroi Sennen Musha Gyoretsu

Guide

Hyakumono Soroi Sennen Musha Gyoretsu

6 min read

Event Overview

The Hyakumono Soroi Sennen Musha Gyoretsu is a historic event held during the autumn festival of Nikko Toshogu. It recreates the grand procession of Tokugawa Ieyasu's transfer from Shizuoka to Nikko. Over 1,200 participants, including armored warriors, priests, and people in traditional attire, march through the beautiful scenery of Nikko, preserving ancient Japanese rituals for the modern era.

Highlights & How to Enjoy

The main highlight is the magnificent procession of 100 armored warriors and archers carrying bows, spears, and guns along the main approach (Ote-dori and Nakayama-dori) of Nikko Toshogu. As the procession reaches the Otabisho, the festival reaches its peak with the offering of sacred foods (Sanpondate) and the performance of elegant traditional dances like the Yaotome no Mai and Azuma Sobi no Mai.

Additionally, the Yabusame (horseback archery) ritual held the day before offers a chance to see skilled archers up close, showcasing the bravery of samurai culture.

Schedule

Day Before: Yabusame Ritual

  • 13:00: Rituals and purification in front of the Five-Story Pagoda
  • 13:30~: Yabusame (Horseback Archery) begins (The area near Sanbutsudo is a good viewing spot)

Event Day: Samurai Procession & Mikoshi Festival

  • 11:00~: Procession begins (Starting from Nikko Toshogu, passing the Five-Story Pagoda and the main approach to Otabisho)
  • 12:00~: Otabisho Festival (Offerings of Sanpondate, Yaotome no Mai, and Azuma Sobi no Mai)
  • 13:00~: Mikoshi Return (Procession from Otabisho through the main approach to the Toshogu Shrine)
  • 13:30~: Return Ritual

Venue & Access

The event takes place around the Nikko Toshogu shrine area and its main approach.

  • *By Train/Bus**: Take the Tobu Bus from JR/Tobu Nikko Station for about 10 minutes. Get off at the 'Sogo Kaikan-mae' stop and walk for 10 minutes.
  • *By Car**: Approximately 3km from the Nikko IC on the Nikko Utsunomiya Road. Please use nearby paid parking lots.

Tips for Visitors

The procession follows a route from Arariyama Shrine through to the Otabisho and Nikko Toshogu. Since it is very crowded, it is helpful to know the route in advance. The festival concludes with the Mikoshi return, so staying until the end allows you to experience the full ritual.

What to Bring, Clothing & Etiquette

  • *Clothing**: As you will be outdoors for a long time, please wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing suitable for changing weather.
  • *Etiquette**: This is a sacred Shinto ritual. Please maintain a respectful and quiet attitude. For events like Yabusame, flash photography is strictly prohibited as it may startle the horses.
  • *Payment/Reservations**: Viewing the procession is free. Please check the official website for details regarding nearby facilities or parking.