Kuramae Shrine: A vibrant festival of colors and traditions
Basic Information
Kuramae Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Kuramae, Taito, Tokyo, Japan.
- Address: 3-14-11 Kuramae, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0051
- Phone Number: 03-3851-0617
- Access: 2-minute walk from Asakusa Station on the Toei Asakusa Line (A4 Exit) or 2-minute walk from Kuramae Station on the Toei Oedo Line (A6 Exit)
- Festival Days: First Saturday and Sunday of June
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Kuramae Shrine Festival is a vibrant and colorful event that attracts many visitors each year. The main events and attractions of the festival include:
Mikoshi Procession
The Mikoshi Procession is the highlight of the Kuramae Shrine Festival. A mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets by a team of people. The mikoshi is believed to be the temporary dwelling place of a deity, and the procession is a way to show respect to the deity and to ask for blessings.
Yatai Village
During the festival, a yatai village is set up in the grounds of Kuramae Shrine. Yatai are food stalls that sell a variety of traditional Japanese foods, such as takoyaki, yakisoba, and okonomiyaki. There are also games and activities for children.
Stage Performances
A stage is set up in the grounds of Kuramae Shrine where a variety of performances are held throughout the festival. These performances include traditional Japanese music and dance, as well as modern music and dance.
Benefits and Deities
The Kuramae Shrine Festival is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to those who attend. The shrine is dedicated to a number of deities, including:
- Ojin Tenno: The 15th emperor of Japan
- Jingu Kogo: The wife of Ojin Tenno and regent of Japan
- Hime Okami: The daughter of Ojin Tenno and Jingu Kogo
- Ukanomitama no Mikoto: The god of food and agriculture
- Michizane Sugawara: A scholar and politician who is revered as a god of learning
- Shiotsuchi no Oki no Mikoto: The god of land and soil
History and Origins
The Kuramae Shrine was founded in 1693 by Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, the fifth shogun of the Tokugawa dynasty. The shrine was built as a guardian deity for the Edo Castle and as a place to pray for the prosperity of the Tokugawa family. The shrine has been rebuilt several times over the years, most recently in 1945 after it was destroyed by fire during World War II.
Tips and注意事項 for Visitors
If you are planning to attend the Kuramae Shrine Festival, here are a few tips and注意事項:
- The festival is held on the first Saturday and Sunday of June each year.
- The shrine is open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Admission to the festival is free.
- There is no parking lot at the shrine. Please use public transportation or park in a nearby parking lot.
- The festival is very crowded, so be prepared for large crowds.
- Be respectful of the shrine and its traditions.
Blessings and Deities
The Kuramae Shrine is dedicated to a number of deities, each of whom is believed to bestow different blessings upon worshippers. The main deities of the shrine are:
- Ojin Tenno: The 15th emperor of Japan, who is revered as a god of war and victory.
- Jingu Kogo: The wife of Ojin Tenno and regent of Japan, who is revered as a goddess of safe childbirth and good fortune.
- Hime Okami: The daughter of Ojin Tenno and Jingu Kogo, who is revered as a goddess of beauty and fertility.
- Ukanomitama no Mikoto: The god of food and agriculture, who is revered for bringing bountiful harvests and prosperity.
- Michizane Sugawara: A scholar and politician who is revered as a god of learning and wisdom.
- Shiotsuchi no Oki no Mikoto: The god of land and soil, who is revered for protecting the land and its people.
Origin and History
The Kuramae Shrine was founded in 1693 by Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, the fifth shogun of the Tokugawa dynasty. The shrine was built as a guardian deity for the Edo Castle and as a place to pray for the prosperity of the Tokugawa family. The shrine has been rebuilt several times over the years, most recently in 1945 after it was destroyed by fire during World War II.
Tips and Notes for Visitors
If you are planning to visit the Kuramae Shrine, here are a few tips and notes:
- The shrine is open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Admission to the shrine is free.
- There is no parking lot at the shrine. Please use public transportation or park in a nearby parking lot.
- The shrine is very crowded during festivals and other special events. If you are visiting during one of these times, be prepared for large crowds.
- Be respectful of the shrine and its traditions. Remove your shoes before entering the main hall and do not touch any of the sacred objects.
Parking Information
There is no parking lot at the Kuramae Shrine. Visitors are advised to use public transportation or park in a nearby parking lot. There are several parking lots within a short walking distance of 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. |
