Commemorating its founding and connection with Emperor Meiji (1867–1912), Meiji Shrine in Harajuku is set to host its annual autumn festival with three consecutive days of sacred rituals and performing arts. Taking place from Saturday November 1 to the November 3 public holiday, the festival features rituals to commemorate the enshrinement of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken as Shinto deities at the shrine. These festivities include the ‘Tokoshie no Mai’ kagura dance on Nov 1.
If you’re looking to watch something more casual, check out the stage performances such as bugaku court dances (11.45am on November 2), Noh and Kyogen theatricals (12noon on November 1), Aikido martial arts and kyudo archery demonstrations (9am on November 3), biwa performances (3pm on November 3) and much more. But if you only have time to watch one performance, make it the yabusame horseback archery by the Japan Equestrian Archery Association, taking place on November 3 from 1pm at the Nishisando lawn area. While the show itself is free to watch, be sure to grab a spot early, as space is limited and admission may be restricted after the venue reaches capacity.