縁切榎: Cut Bad Ties, Forge Good Ones
Basic Information
縁切榎 is a Shinto shrine the deity Oyamakui-no-kami, who is said to have the power to sever bad relationships and bring good luck in love.
- Address: 18 Motomachi, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-0004
- Phone Number: 03-3579-2255
- Access: A 5-minute walk from Itabashi-Hommachi Station on the Toei Mita Line
- Festival Days: April 20, 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The 縁切榎 festival is a lively and colorful event that attracts visitors from all over Japan. The main events and attractions of the festival include:
縁切榎縁日 (縁切榎 Festival)
The縁切榎縁日 is a lively festival that takes place on the grounds of the 縁切榎 shrine. The festival features a variety of food stalls, games, and activities, as well as live music and performances.
縁切絵馬 (縁切榎 Votive Tablets)
Visitors to the festival can purchase縁切絵馬, or votive tablets, to pray for good luck in love. The絵馬 are then hung on the branches of the 縁切榎 tree.
縁結びお守り (縁切榎 Amulets)
Visitors can also purchase縁結びお守り, or amulets, to protect their relationships. Theお守り are said to bring good luck in love and marriage.
縁切榎みくじ (縁切榎 Fortunes)
Visitors can also draw縁切榎みくじ, or fortunes, to learn about their future. Theみくじ are written on small pieces of paper and are said to be very accurate.
- 縁切絵馬: Pray for good luck in love by writing your願い事 (wish) on an絵馬 (wooden tablet) and hanging it on the 縁切榎 tree.
- 縁結びお守り: Purchase an縁結びお守り (縁結び amulet) to protect your relationship or find new love.
- 縁切榎みくじ: Draw an縁切榎みくじ (縁切榎 fortune) to receive a prediction about your future.
Blessings and Deities
The 縁切榎 shrine is dedicated to Oyamakui-no-kami, a deity who is said to have the power to sever bad relationships and bring good luck in love. Those who visit the shrine often pray for help with relationship problems, such as breakups, divorces, and unrequited love.
- Deity: Oyamakui-no-kami
- Benefits: Severing bad relationships, bringing good luck in love
Origin and History
The 縁切榎 shrine was founded in the early 17th century by a man named Enma Daiō. Enma Daiō was a powerful sorcerer who was said to have the ability to curse people. One day, Enma Daiō was approached by a young woman who was suffering from a broken heart. The woman begged Enma Daiō to help her forget her former lover. Enma Daiō agreed to help the woman, and he planted an榎 tree (zelkova tree) on the spot where she was standing. He then told the woman to pray to the tree every day, and that her wish would eventually be granted.
The woman followed Enma Daiō’s instructions, and her wish was eventually granted. She forgot her former lover and moved on with her life. Word of the 縁切榎 tree’s power to sever bad relationships spread quickly, and soon people from all over Japan were coming to the shrine to pray to the tree.
- Founder: Enma Daiō
- Date of Foundation: Early 17th century
- Reason for Founding: To help people sever bad relationships
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to the 縁切榎 shrine:
- The shrine is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day.
- Admission is free.
- Visitors can purchase縁切絵馬 (votive tablets) and縁結びお守り (amulets) at the shrine.
- There is a small parking lot available for visitors.
- The shrine is a popular tourist destination, so it is best to visit during the off-season (November-February) to avoid crowds.
Parking Information
There is a small parking lot available for visitors to the 縁切榎 shrine. The parking lot is located behind the shrine, and it can accommodate up to 10 cars.
- Location: Behind the shrine
- Capacity: 10 cars
- Fee: Free
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. |