Divine palanquin parade under the moonlight

Basic Information

Torikoe Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Taitō, Tokyo, Japan.

• Address: 2-4-1 Torigoe, Taitō-ku, Tokyo 111-0054
• Phone Number: 03-3851-5033
• Access: 6-minute walk from蔵前 Station on the Toei Asakusa Line, 8-minute walk from Shin-Okachimachi Station on the Toei Ōedo Line, 8-minute walk from Asakusabashi Station on the JR Sōbu Line
• Festival Days: June 9th (Sun), June 10th (Mon), June 11th (Tue), 2024

Main Events and Attractions of the Festival

The Torigoe Shrine Festival is a three-day festival held annually in June. The festival features a variety of events and attractions, including:

Mikoshi Procession

The highlight of the festival is the mikoshi procession, which takes place on the second and third days of the festival. On the second day, mikoshi from various local communities are carried through the streets of Taitō. On the third day, the main mikoshi of Torigoe Shrine, known as the Sen-gan Mikoshi (Thousand-kan Mikoshi), is carried by members of the local community. The Sen-gan Mikoshi is one of the heaviest mikoshi in Tokyo, weighing over four tons.

Yatai (Food Stalls)

During the festival, over 250 yatai (food stalls) line the streets around Torigoe Shrine. Visitors can enjoy a variety of traditional Japanese festival foods, such as yakisoba (fried noodles), takoyaki (octopus balls), and kakigori (shaved ice).

Kagura Performance

Kagura is a traditional Japanese Shinto dance and music performance. During the Torigoe Shrine Festival, kagura performances are held at the shrine on all three days of the festival.

Limited-Edition Goshuin

During the festival, Torigoe Shrine offers a limited-edition goshuin (朱印), or shrine stamp. Goshuin are a popular souvenir among Japanese festival-goers, and the limited-edition Torigoe Shrine goshuin is a must-have for any collector.

Blessings and Deities

Torigoe Shrine is dedicated to the deity Yamato Takeru no Mikoto, a legendary Japanese prince and warrior. Yamato Takeru is said to have visited the area where Torigoe Shrine now stands and prayed for victory in battle. After his victory, he is said to have built a shrine on the site to express his gratitude to the gods. Torigoe Shrine is also dedicated to the deities Amenokoyane no Mikoto and Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Origin and History

The exact origins of Torigoe Shrine are unknown, but it is believed to have been founded in the 7th century. The shrine was originally known as Hakuchō Jinja, or White Bird Shrine. The name was changed to Torigoe Jinja in the 11th century after Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, visited the shrine and prayed for victory in battle. Torigoe Shrine has been a popular place of worship for centuries, and it is now one of the most popular shrines in Taitō.

Tips and Notes for Visitors

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

• The festival is very popular, so it is important to arrive early to avoid crowds.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
• Bring a camera to capture the many sights and sounds of the festival.
• Be respectful of the shrine and its customs.
• Enjoy the festival and all that it has to offer!

Parking Information

There is no parking lot at Torigoe Shrine. However, there are several public parking lots in the area. The closest parking lot is the Torigoe Parking Lot, which is located a short walk from the shrine.

Popular Stalls and Food Carts in Recent Years