Gleaming lights, vibrant festival
Basic Information
An overview of the festival will be provided here.
- Address: 5209 Tanpo, Kunitachi-shi, Tokyo
- Phone Number: 042-576-5123
- Access: 3-minute walk from JR Nambu Line Tanpo Station
- Festival Days: September 25th (Thursday), September 29th (Sunday), 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Tanpo Tenmangu Shrine Festival is a vibrant and lively event that offers a variety of attractions for visitors of all ages. Here are some of the main highlights:
Mikoshi Procession
One of the central attractions of the festival is the Mikoshi Procession, where portable shrines called Mikoshi are carried through the streets by groups of people. The Mikoshi are elaborately decorated with colorful tapestries and ornaments, and the procession is accompanied by traditional music and lively chanting. Visitors can witness this spectacle and experience the energy and excitement of the festival.
Kagura Performance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese performing art that combines music, dance, and storytelling. During the festival, Kagura performances are held at the shrine’s Kagura殿 (Kagura Hall). These performances tell stories from Japanese mythology and folklore, and they are a captivating way to learn about Japanese culture and history.
Food Stalls and Games
The festival also features a variety of food stalls selling a wide range of delicious Japanese treats and snacks. Visitors can indulge in traditional festival foods such as yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), takoyaki (octopus balls), and taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes filled with sweet red bean paste). There are also many games and activities for children, such as goldfish scooping and ring toss, making it a fun and enjoyable event for the whole family.
Blessings and Deities
Tanpo Tenmangu Shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, a revered scholar and statesman from the Heian period (794-1185). Michizane is known for his exceptional academic achievements and his contributions to Japanese literature and calligraphy. He is also revered as a deity of learning and scholarship, and students and parents often visit the shrine to pray for success in their studies and examinations.
- Deity: Sugawara no Michizane
- Blessings: Learning, scholarship, academic success
Origin and History
The origins of Tanpo Tenmangu Shrine can be traced back to the 10th century when Sugawara no Michizane’s third son, Michizane, was exiled to the Tanpo area. Michizane built a small shrine to enshrine his father’s spirit, and this shrine eventually became Tanpo Tenmangu Shrine. Over the centuries, the shrine has been rebuilt and expanded several times, and it is now a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike.
- Founded: 10th century
- Founder: Sugawara no Michizane’s third son, Michizane
- History: Rebuilt and expanded several times over the centuries
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to Tanpo Tenmangu Shrine:
- Admission: Free
- Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Access: 3-minute walk from JR Nambu Line Tanpo Station
- Festival Dates: September 25th (Thursday), September 29th (Sunday), 2024
- Highlights: Mikoshi Procession, Kagura Performance, Food Stalls, Games
Parking Information
There is limited parking available at Tanpo Tenmangu Shrine. Visitors are encouraged to use public transportation or park in nearby parking lots.
- Parking: Limited parking available
- Public Transportation: JR Nambu Line Tanpo Station (3-minute walk)
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. |
