Enchanting Shrine Festival in Shinjuku: A Journey Through History and Tradition

Basic Information

Akagi Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo, Japan.

• Address: 1-10 Akagi Motomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-0817
• Phone Number: 03-3260-5071
• Access: 1-minute walk from Kagurazaka Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line
• Festival Days: September 16th (Sat), 17th (Sun), and 19th (Tue), 2024

Main Events and Attractions of the Festival

The Akagi Shrine Festival is a vibrant and lively event that attracts many visitors each year. The main events and attractions of the festival include:

Mikoshi Procession

The highlight of the festival is the mikoshi procession, which takes place on the second day of the festival. A mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets by a team of people. The Akagi Shrine mikoshi is particularly large and impressive, and it is carried by a team of over 100 people. The procession is accompanied by music and dancing, and it is a truly spectacular sight.

Kagura Performance

Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance and music performance that is often performed at Shinto shrines. During the Akagi Shrine Festival, kagura performances are held on both days of the festival. The performances are typically performed by a group of young women, and they tell stories from Japanese mythology.

Food Stalls

No Japanese festival is complete without food stalls, and the Akagi Shrine Festival is no exception. There will be a variety of food stalls selling everything from traditional Japanese dishes to more modern fare. There will also be a number of stalls selling souvenirs and crafts.

Fireworks Display

The festival concludes with a spectacular fireworks display on the evening of the second day. The fireworks are launched from a nearby park, and they can be seen from all over the area. The fireworks display is a fitting end to a wonderful festival.

Blessings and Deities

Akagi Shrine is dedicated to two deities: Iwatsunoo no Mikoto and Akagihime no Mikoto. Iwatsunoo no Mikoto is the god of fire and metalworking, while Akagihime no Mikoto is the goddess of agriculture and fertility. Visitors to the shrine can pray for blessings in these areas, as well as for good luck in general.

Origin and History

The origins of Akagi Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the early 14th century. The shrine was originally located in a different part of Shinjuku Ward, but it was moved to its current location in 1555. The shrine was destroyed by fire in 1842, but it was rebuilt the following year. The current shrine buildings date from the early 20th century.

Tips and Notes for Visitors

Here are some tips and notes for visitors to the Akagi Shrine Festival:

• The festival is held on September 16th, 17th, and 19th, 2024.
• The main events of the festival are the mikoshi procession, the kagura performance, and the fireworks display.
• There will be a variety of food stalls selling traditional Japanese dishes and modern fare.
• The festival is very popular, so it is important to arrive early to avoid crowds.
• The shrine is located a 1-minute walk from Kagurazaka Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line.

Parking Information

There is no parking lot at Akagi Shrine. However, there are several coin-operated parking lots in the area. The closest parking lot is located a 3-minute walk from the shrine.

Popular Stalls and Food Carts in Recent Years