Koyama Ryosha-sai Mikoshi Togyō – Festival Power on the Move
Koyama Ryosha-sai Mikoshi Togyō (小山両社祭の神輿連合渡御) is one of Shinagawa’s most exciting traditional festivals, held every year during the first weekend of September. This energetic celebration brings together the two historically connected shrines of Koyama Hachiman Shrine and Mitani Hachiman Shrine, which were originally one shrine but divided in the Edo period due to religious differences.
The highlight is the joint mikoshi procession, when seven ornate portable shrines gather at Musashi-Koyama Station Plaza and make their way as a united parade toward Nishi-Koyama Station — about 1km in total. With vibrant chanting, traditional kigiyari singing, and jubilant participants, the procession brings out thousands of local spectators and represents one of the most heartfelt celebrations of Shinagawa’s living traditions.
🧭 Koyama Ryosha-sai Festival Details
- Event: Annual mikoshi procession connecting Koyama and Mitani shrines
- When: First Sunday in September
- Route: Starts 17:00 at Musashi-Koyama Station, ends near Nishi-Koyama Station
- Ceremonies: Departure Ceremony (出御式), Return Ceremony (還御式)
- Note: Famous for its energetic participation and deeply local roots
The festival’s historical roots trace back to the year 1030, when Minamoto no Yoriyoshi enshrined Hondawake-no-Mikoto on a high hilltop in Koyama, establishing Koyama Hachiman as the village shrine. Later, a religious schism led to the formation of Mitani Hachiman Shrine in nearby Takihara. Despite their separation, the joint festival remains a symbol of community unity.
🧭 Visitor Information
Address: Koyama 4-chome, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
Access: 5-minute walk from Nishi-Koyama Station (Tokyu Meguro Line)
Best season: Early September (festival time)
Admission: Free to view
Official Info: Ryosha Festival
Note: Expect loud crowds, limited seating, and some street closures.
Where is it?
| what3words | ///treating.chair.mimics |
| latitude longitude | 35.615119, 139.699753 |
| Nearest station(s) | Nishi-Koyama Station |
| Nearest public conveniences | Public toilets available at station and local parks |
Show me a sign.
It’s on the side of Tachiai Street
Withervee says…
Noise, history, sweat, and community — this is one of those very Tokyo moments where time collapses. It’s like a shrine decided to take a power walk through the neighborhood.
Bring water and wear good shoes — but you’ll leave with memories.
Site Character
- Lifestyle 生活 (Seikatsu): ✔️
- Historical Significance 歴史 (Rekishi): ✔️
- Atmosphere/Natural Features 風土 (Fūdo): ✔️
Who in their right mind would vote for this?
- Festival-goers
- Shinto devotees
- Local residents
- Photographers
- Culture lovers
Further reading
While you’re there…
Make it a Shinagawa trifecta: visit Musashikoyama Shopping Street and Nishi-Koyama’s cherry tree-lined avenue while you’re in the neighborhood.
