Shinjuku’s divine spectacle of lights

Basic Information

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

• Address: 8-14-10 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023
• Phone Number: 03-3368-6933
• Access: 2-minute walk from Nishi-Shinjuku Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, 8-minute walk from Tochomae Station on the Toei Oedo Line, 11-minute walk from Shinjuku Station on the JR Line, 12-minute walk from Seibu-Shinjuku Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line
• Festival Days: September 25th, 2024

Main Events and Attractions of the Festival

The Narukotenjinja Shrine Festival is an annual event that takes place on September 25th. The festival features a variety of events and attractions, including:

Mikoshi Procession

The highlight of the festival is the mikoshi procession, in which a portable shrine is carried through the streets of Shinjuku. The mikoshi is decorated with colorful tapestries and streamers, and it is carried by a team of people. The procession is accompanied by music and dancing, and it is a lively and festive event.

Kagura Performance

Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance that is often performed at Shinto shrines. During the Narukotenjinja Shrine Festival, kagura performances are held several times a day. The dances are performed by trained dancers, and they tell stories from Japanese mythology.

Food Stalls

During the festival, there are a number of food stalls set up around the shrine. These stalls sell a variety of Japanese food, including yakitori, takoyaki, and okonomiyaki. There are also stalls selling souvenirs and other goods.

Bon Odori

Bon Odori is a traditional Japanese dance that is performed during the Obon festival. The Obon festival is a time to remember and honor the dead, and it is also a time for people to come together and celebrate. During the Narukotenjinja Shrine Festival, there is a Bon Odori performance on the evening of September 24th.

Blessings and Deities

Narukotenjinja Shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, a Heian period scholar and politician who is revered as the god of learning and scholarship. Michizane is said to have been born in the year 845 in Dazaifu, Kyushu. He was a brilliant student, and he quickly rose through the ranks of the government. However, he was eventually exiled to Dazaifu, where he died in the year 903.

After Michizane’s death, there were a number of reports of miracles and strange occurrences at his grave. These reports led people to believe that Michizane had become a kami, or god. In the year 947, Emperor Murakami ordered that a shrine be built in Michizane’s honor. This shrine was the original Narukotenjinja Shrine.

The shrine has been rebuilt several times over the centuries, and it is now located in the Shinjuku district of Tokyo. Narukotenjinja Shrine is a popular destination for students and scholars, who come to pray for success in their studies.

Origin and History

The origins of Narukotenjinja Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the early Heian period (794-1185). The shrine was originally located in the village of Naruko, which was later incorporated into the city of Shinjuku. In the year 1661, the shrine was moved to its current location.

Narukotenjinja Shrine has a long and rich history. It has been visited by many famous people over the years, including the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu and the emperor Meiji. The shrine has also been the site of a number of important events, including the signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa in 1854.

Tips and Notes for Visitors

Here are some tips and notes for visitors to Narukotenjinja Shrine:

• The shrine is open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Admission to the shrine is free.
• There is a small museum on the shrine grounds that houses a collection of artifacts related to the shrine’s history.
• The shrine is a popular destination for weddings and other ceremonies.
• There are a number of restaurants and shops in the area surrounding the shrine.

Parking Information

There is no parking lot at Narukotenjinja Shrine. However, there are a number of public parking lots in the area.

• Shinjuku Central Park Parking Lot: This parking lot is located a 5-minute walk from the shrine.
• Shinjuku Ward Office Parking Lot: This parking lot is located a 10-minute walk from the shrine.
• Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden Parking Lot: This parking lot is located a 15-minute walk from the shrine.

Popular Stalls and Food Carts in Recent Years