Divine procession of portable shrines under the spring moonlight
Basic Information
Musashi Mitake Shrine is a Shinto shrine located on Mount Mitake in Ome, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the deities Ōkuninushi, Susanoo-no-Mikoto, and Yamato Takeru.
- Address: 176 Mitakesan, Ome, Tokyo 198-0175, Japan
- Phone Number: 0428-78-8500
- Access: Take the Nishi Tokyo Bus from JR Ōme Station for about 10 minutes and get off at Cable-shita bus stop. Take the Mitake Tozan Railway Cable Car from Takimoto Station for about 6 minutes and get off at Mitakesan Station. From there, it is about a 25-minute walk to the shrine.
- Festival Days: April 17, 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Musashi Mitake Shrine Rei-sai Festival is a vibrant and colorful celebration that attracts many visitors each year. The festival features a variety of events and attractions, including:
Mikoshi Procession
The mikoshi procession is the main event of the festival. A mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets by a team of people. The mikoshi of Musashi Mitake Shrine is particularly large and impressive, and it is carried by a team of over 100 people.
Lion Dance
The lion dance is a traditional Japanese dance that is often performed at festivals. The dance is performed by two people, one wearing a lion mask and the other wearing a drum. The lion dances to the beat of the drum, and the performance is said to bring good luck.
Taiko Drumming
Taiko drumming is a type of Japanese drumming that is characterized by its powerful and rhythmic beats. Taiko drums are large, barrel-shaped drums that are played with wooden sticks. The taiko drumming performance at the Musashi Mitake Shrine Rei-sai Festival is sure to get your heart racing.
Food Stalls
No Japanese festival is complete without food stalls! At the Musashi Mitake Shrine Rei-sai Festival, you can find a variety of food stalls selling everything from traditional Japanese dishes to international cuisine. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as Mitake soba noodles and Mitake dango.
Souvenir Shops
If you’re looking for a souvenir to remember your trip to the Musashi Mitake Shrine Rei-sai Festival, be sure to visit the souvenir shops. You can find a variety of items for sale, including t-shirts, hats, keychains, and more.
Blessings and Deities
Musashi Mitake Shrine is dedicated to five deities: Ōkuninushi, Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Yamato Takeru, Kushiinadahime, and Hirokuninushi.
- Ōkuninushi: The god of nation-building, medicine, and agriculture.
- Susanoo-no-Mikoto: The god of storms, the sea, and agriculture.
- Yamato Takeru: The legendary prince who is said to have conquered eastern Japan.
- Kushiinadahime: The goddess of fertility and marriage.
- Hirokuninushi: The god of agriculture and wealth.
Visitors to the shrine can pray for blessings in a variety of areas, including:
- Good luck in business
- Good health
- Safe travel
- Success in school
- Happy marriage
Origin and History
The origins of Musashi Mitake Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the 7th century. The shrine was originally dedicated to the god Ōkuninushi, but the other four deities were added later.
Musashi Mitake Shrine has a long and rich history. It has been visited by many famous people over the years, including the samurai warlord Takeda Shingen and the emperor Meiji.
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to Musashi Mitake Shrine:
- The shrine is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day.
- Admission to the shrine is free.
- There is a parking lot near the shrine, but it is often full on weekends and holidays.
- The shrine is located on a mountain, so be prepared for a bit of a hike.
- There are several restaurants and shops near the shrine.
Parking Information
There is a parking lot near Musashi Mitake Shrine, but it is often full on weekends and holidays. If you are driving to the shrine, it is best to arrive early or park at one of the nearby train stations and take the cable car up the mountain.
- Parking lot address: 176 Mitakesan, Ome, Tokyo 198-0175, Japan
- Parking lot capacity: Approximately 100 cars
- Parking lot fees: 500 yen per day
Popular Stalls and Food Carts in Recent Years
| Type of Stall | Description |
|---|---|
| Takoyaki | A staple at Japanese festivals. Characterized by a crispy outside and a creamy inside. |
| Jaga Butter | A simple yet popular snack of hot potatoes lavishly topped with melted butter. |
| Baby Castella | Small castella cakes, sweet and fluffy treats enjoyed by children and adults alike. |
| Grilled Ayu with Salt | Fresh ayu fish grilled whole with salt, a savory taste of Japanese summer. |
| Shaapin | A unique gourmet item influenced by foreign cuisine, with a chewy skin wrapping the filling. |
| Okonomiyaki | A Japanese grilled dish where you often choose your own ingredients for a personalized flavor. |
| Cotton Candy | A fluffy, sweet snack that’s extremely popular with children. |
| Chocolate Banana | A banana coated in chocolate, a fun and visually appealing dessert. |
| Kushiyaki | Various types of ingredients skewered and grilled, an easy-to-enjoy snack. |
| Yakisoba | Fried noodles mixed with a special sauce, a fast food favorite in Japan. |
