Procession of One Thousand Warriors

Every year around the 16th and 17th of May and October, Nikko citizens gather to celebrate the sacred Toshogu Shrine and its surrounding World Heritage Shrines and Temples. This festival involves a procession of 1000 warriors, some on horseback, all in traditional samurai regalia, children and some women. The procession marches through the shrine area carrying traditional samurai weapons and the famous mobile shrines which house the 3 Gods of the Toshogu Shrine.

The procession is impressive with costumes and even loud speaker interpretations in both Japanese and English of the regalia and the respective groups within the long line of warriors. It is truly a spectacular event with impressive team work between the men carrying the heavy mobile shrines uphill to Toshogu Temple! Spectators throw money at the mobile shrines as a donation to the Gods. Children follow close by picking up the donations. There is plenty of tradition to observe as a spectator! Be sure to book a room with us early because this festival is very popular.