Enchanting shrine festival lights up the night
Basic Information
Ejima Sugiyama Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the Sumida Ward of Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the deities Ebisu and Daikokuten, as well as the spirit of the shrine’s founder, Sugiyama Wazan.
- Address: 1-8-2, Chitose, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-0025
- Phone Number: 03-3634-1055
- Access: 7-minute walk from Ryogoku Station on the JR Sobu Line or Toei Oedo Line, or a 9-minute walk from Morishita Station on the Toei Shinjuku Line
- Festival Days: June 17th (Mon) – June 18th (Tue), 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Ejima Sugiyama Shrine Festival is a two-day festival held annually in mid-June. The festival features a variety of events and attractions, including:
Mikoshi Procession
On the second day of the festival, a mikoshi (portable shrine) procession takes place. The mikoshi is carried through the streets of the neighborhood, accompanied by music and dancing. Visitors are welcome to join the procession and carry the mikoshi.
Kagura Performance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese Shinto dance and music performance. During the festival, kagura performances are held at the shrine several times a day. Visitors can watch the performances and learn about Japanese culture and traditions.
Food Stalls
A variety of food stalls are set up at the festival, selling a variety of Japanese festival foods, such as yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), takoyaki (octopus balls), and kakigori (shaved ice). Visitors can enjoy these delicious treats while they explore the festival.
Games and Activities
There are also a variety of games and activities for children at the festival, such as goldfish scooping and ring toss. Children can have fun playing these games and winning prizes.
Fireworks Display
On the evening of the second day of the festival, a fireworks display is held at the shrine. The fireworks light up the night sky and provide a beautiful and memorable end to the festival.
Blessings and Deities
Ejima Sugiyama Shrine is dedicated to the deities Ebisu and Daikokuten, as well as the spirit of the shrine’s founder, Sugiyama Wazan. Ebisu is the god of fishermen and merchants, while Daikokuten is the god of wealth and prosperity. Sugiyama Wazan was a blind鍼灸師 (acupuncture and moxibustion practitioner) who founded the shrine in 1693. He is revered for his skill in healing and his dedication to helping others.
- Ebisu: God of fishermen and merchants
- Daikokuten: God of wealth and prosperity
- Sugiyama Wazan: Founder of the shrine and revered鍼灸師
Origin and History
Ejima Sugiyama Shrine was founded in 1693 by Sugiyama Wazan, a blind鍼灸師. Sugiyama Wazan was granted a plot of land in the Ejima district of Sumida Ward by the fifth Tokugawa shogun, Tokugawa Tsunayoshi. Sugiyama Wazan built a small shrine on the land and dedicated it to Ebisu and Daikokuten. The shrine was originally known as Ejima Ebisu Shrine, but it was renamed Ejima Sugiyama Shrine in 1923.
- 1693: Shrine founded by Sugiyama Wazan
- 1923: Shrine renamed Ejima Sugiyama Shrine
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to the Ejima Sugiyama Shrine Festival:
- Wear comfortable shoes: You will be doing a lot of walking during the festival.
- Bring cash: Many of the food and game stalls at the festival only accept cash.
- Arrive early: The festival gets very crowded, so it is best to arrive early to avoid the crowds.
- Be respectful: The Ejima Sugiyama Shrine is a religious site, so please be respectful of the shrine and its visitors.
Parking Information
There is no parking lot at the Ejima Sugiyama Shrine. However, there are several public parking lots nearby.
- Sumida Ward Public Parking Lot No. 1: 1-1-1 Chitose, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-0025
- Sumida Ward Public Parking Lot No. 2: 1-2-1 Chitose, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-0025
- Sumida Ward Public Parking Lot No. 3: 1-3-1 Chitose, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-0025
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. |
