Enchanting lights dance at Onoterusaki Shrine
Basic Information
Onoterusaki Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the Taito ward of Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the kami (spirits) of Ono no Takamura, Sugawara no Michizane, and fifteen other deities.
- Address: 2-13-14 Shimo-ya, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0004
- Phone Number: 03-3872-5514
- Access: 3-minute walk from Iriya Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, or a 7-minute walk from Uguisudani Station on the JR Yamanote Line.
- Festival Days: May 18th (Sat), May 19th (Sun), 2024 (Reiwa 6)
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Onoterusaki Shrine Festival is a lively and colorful event that attracts many visitors each year. The main events and attractions of the festival include:
Mikoshi Procession
One of the highlights of the festival is the mikoshi procession. A mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets by a team of people. The mikoshi of Onoterusaki Shrine 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 creates a festive atmosphere throughout the neighborhood.
Kagura Dance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance that is often performed at Shinto shrines. During the Onoterusaki Shrine Festival, kagura is performed by a group of young women who are dressed in colorful costumes. The dance is graceful and elegant, and it is a beautiful sight to behold.
Food Stalls
No Japanese festival is complete without food stalls! At the Onoterusaki Shrine Festival, there are a variety of food stalls selling everything from traditional Japanese dishes to modern festival favorites. You can find everything from yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) to takoyaki (octopus balls) to kakigori (shaved ice). There is something for everyone to enjoy.
Games and Activities
In addition to the main events, there are also a number of games and activities for visitors to enjoy at the Onoterusaki Shrine Festival. These include traditional Japanese games like ring toss and goldfish scooping, as well as more modern games like face painting and balloon animals. There is also a petting zoo where children can interact with animals like rabbits and goats.
Blessings and Deities
Onoterusaki Shrine is dedicated to the kami (spirits) of Ono no Takamura, Sugawara no Michizane, and fifteen other deities. Ono no Takamura was a Heian period poet and scholar who is said to have been a master of both the literary and martial arts. Sugawara no Michizane was a Heian period scholar and politician who is revered as the god of learning and calligraphy. The other fifteen deities enshrined at Onoterusaki Shrine include gods of medicine, agriculture, and commerce.
- Ono no Takamura: Heian period poet and scholar, master of literary and martial arts
- Sugawara no Michizane: Heian period scholar and politician, god of learning and calligraphy
- Other deities: Gods of medicine, agriculture, commerce, and more
Origin and History
Onoterusaki Shrine was founded in 852 AD by Ono no Takamura. The shrine was originally located in Ueno, but it was moved to its current location in Taito in 1625. The shrine has been rebuilt several times over the centuries, most recently in 1945 after it was destroyed by fire during World War II.
- Founded in 852 AD by Ono no Takamura
- Originally located in Ueno, moved to current location in 1625
- Rebuilt several times over the centuries, most recently in 1945
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to the Onoterusaki Shrine Festival:
- The festival is held on May 18th and 19th, 2024.
- The festival is free to attend.
- The festival is a popular event, so it is recommended to arrive early to avoid crowds.
- There are a variety of food and drink stalls at the festival, so you can enjoy a meal or snack while you are there.
- There are also a number of games and activities for children at the festival.
Parking Information
There is limited parking available at Onoterusaki Shrine. Visitors are encouraged to use public transportation or park in a nearby parking lot and walk to the shrine.
- Limited parking available at Onoterusaki Shrine
- Use public transportation or park in a nearby parking lot and walk to the shrine
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. |