Tokyo celebrates its Edo-era roots this autumn, with the Oh! Edo Tokyo Festival bringing an eclectic lineup of events and activities to the Nihonbashi area throughout October and early November. With the area in full festival mode, you can expect a special atmosphere and celebratory vibes whenever you visit during this season.
1. Guided tours
During Oct 4th—Nov 3rd, one of three daily special guided tours can be joined giving unique insights into some of the sightseeing spots in areas like Nihonbashi, Ginza and Tsukiji Outer Market. Tours will come with a professional interpreter guide across the 90-minute walking course, and cost ¥2,000 each, accommodating up to 10 participants.
Choose a guided tour that’s right for you (10am, 1pm, 3pm) to learn more about each area in an opportunity not usually available:
- In Nihonbashi, get to learn about the area’s identity as a cultural hub, local landmarks as well as mix of modern and traditional, including many long-established traditional stores.
- The Ginza area symbolizses Edo’s vibrant performing arts culture. On this tour, experience Ginza’s charm—see locations related to Kabuki and Noh theater—and see how traditional culture and modernity coexist.
- In Tsukiji, admire its temples and shrines up close, feel the atmosphere of its Outer Market, and enjoy the area’s history and nearby attractions.
2. Experiences and demonstrations
Between Oct 12th–27th, an impressive lineup of traditional activities can be enjoyed, from familiar traditional customs like Japanese tea ceremony, karate and ukiyo-e, to rarer experiences like Yabusame (horseback archery), Ogasawara-ryu etiquette lessons or Edo-style firefighting demonstrations. Let’s take a closer look at some of these:
Edo Firefighter Performance (Oct 19th, Oct 27th): the local Edo Firefighter Memorial Association will demonstrate a rare spectacle involving some of the traditional techniques passed down by generations, such as ladder climbing (hashigo-nori), singing traditional kiyari songs, and the ceremonial transfer of Matoi symbols which were originally used to notify people of fires. The 19th event coincides with the local Nihonbashi Bettara Market, also well worth a visit.
Ogasawara-ryū etiquette (Oct 23rd): Founded over 850 years ago, the Ogasawara-ryū (school) taught the ways of etiquette to both Japan’s shogun (such as posture, walking, sitting) but also its samurai warriors, which is why the “spirit of the samurai” is often associated with many of the principles established by this system.
The Shinto ritual of Yabusame (Oct 19th–20th)—mounted archery—has similar origins and can its orthodox Ogasawara style also be witnessed in Nihonbashi during this rare event.
View the official website for the full activity lineup and schedule.
3. Traditional crafts
A rare exhibition of traditional crafts can be witnessed during the following times:
- Oct 4th–14th: Fukushima Building (Nihonbashi-Muromachi)
- Oct 23rd–27th: Mitsukoshi Store, 7th floor (Nihonbashi)
About Nihonbashi
The Oh! Edo Tokyo Matsuri take place around Tokyo’s Nihonbashi district and is produced by Amon Miyamoto, a theatre director who grew up in the same area.
Since the beginning of the Edo Period (1603-1867), Nihonbashi was designated the starting point of the five main Gokaido roads—the most important roads across Japan—with National Route 1 still running through the district to this day. This made Nihonbashi essentially the origin of all travel, transport and trade across the country, and is still seen by many as the historical heart of Tokyo thanks to its historical significance.
This festival not just celebrates Nihonbashi’s roots but was also commissioned and planned by people local to the same area, hoping to spread its identity and educate people from outside Japan. As such, all events are English-friendly and no Japanese is required to visit or enjoy the numerous activities.
For the full line-up of things to do, check the official website for more details.
