The Sanno Festival started in the Edo Era as an annual festival of the Hie Shrine in Akasaka, and with support from the shogunate then in power, paraded through the city and even Edo Castle. It's still going strong today, and now it's popular with those who want to admire the traditional outfits of festival participants, and the really beautiful mikoshi and parade floats. Lasting about 10 days, the Sanno Festival still starts at the Hie Shrine, and winds its way through the city, complete with 500 people in traditional court costume.