Neon lights illuminate the night at the Futamigaura Shrine Festival
Basic Information
Meotogi Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the deities Izanagi and Izanami, who are considered to be the ancestors of all Japanese people.
- Address: 2-27-18 Nishi-Okubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0072
- Phone Number: 03-3200-0409
- Access: A 6-minute walk from Shinjuku Station on the JR Yamanote Line
- Festival Days: May 16th for a week in 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Meotogi Shrine Festival is held annually on May 16th for a week. The festival features a variety of events and attractions, including:
Mikoshi Procession
The mikoshi procession is the main event of the festival. A mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets by a group of people. The Meotogi Shrine mikoshi is carried from the shrine to a nearby park, where it is paraded around for several hours. The procession is accompanied by music and dancing, and it is a lively and colorful event.
Lion Dance
The lion dance is another popular attraction at the Meotogi Shrine Festival. The dance is performed by a group of people wearing lion costumes. The lions dance to the beat of drums and gongs, and they are believed to bring good luck and fortune to those who see them.
Taiko Drumming
Taiko drumming is a traditional Japanese form of drumming. At the Meotogi Shrine Festival, taiko drummers perform a variety of songs and rhythms. The drumming is energetic and exciting, and it is sure to get your heart racing.
Benefits and Deities
The Meotogi Shrine is dedicated to the deities Izanagi and Izanami, who are considered to be the ancestors of all Japanese people. The shrine is said to offer a variety of benefits, including good luck in marriage, childbirth, and family life. Many people visit the shrine during the festival to pray for these benefits.
History and Background
The Meotogi Shrine was founded in the early 17th century. The shrine was originally located in a different part of Shinjuku, but it was moved to its current location in 1695. The shrine has been a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists for centuries, and it is one of the most important Shinto shrines in Tokyo.
Blessings and Deities
The Meotogi Shrine is dedicated to the deities Izanagi and Izanami, who are considered to be the ancestors of all Japanese people. The shrine is said to offer a variety of benefits, including good luck in marriage, childbirth, and family life. Many people visit the shrine to pray for these benefits.
- Izanagi and Izanami: Deities enshrined at Meotogi Shrine
- Marriage: The shrine is popular for prayers for a good marriage
- Childbirth: The shrine is also known for prayers for safe childbirth
- Family Life: The shrine is visited by those seeking blessings for family harmony and happiness
Origin and History
The Meotogi Shrine was founded in the early 17th century. The shrine was originally located in a different part of Shinjuku, but it was moved to its current location in 1695. The shrine has been a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists for centuries, and it is one of the most important Shinto shrines in Tokyo.
- Establishment: Early 17th century
- Original Location: Different part of Shinjuku
- Current Location: Moved in 1695
- Significance: One of the most important Shinto shrines in Tokyo
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to the Meotogi Shrine:
- Hours: The shrine is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Dress Code: Visitors should dress respectfully when visiting the shrine. This means avoiding shorts, tank tops, and other casual clothing.
- Etiquette: When visiting the shrine, it is customary to wash your hands and mouth at the chozuya (water purification basin) before entering the main shrine building.
- Offerings: Visitors can make offerings to the deities at the shrine by placing a small donation in the offertory box.
- Photography: Photography is allowed at the shrine, but it is important to be respectful of other visitors and avoid taking pictures of people without their permission.
Parking Information
There is no dedicated parking lot at the Meotogi Shrine. However, there are several coin-operated parking lots in the surrounding area. Visitors can also use public transportation to reach the shrine. The closest station is Shinjuku Station on the JR Yamanote Line.
- Dedicated Parking Lot: None
- Coin-Operated Parking Lots: Available in the surrounding area
- Public Transportation: Shinjuku Station on the JR Yamanote Line
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. |
