Enchanting melodies and vibrant hues await at Kumano Shrine.
Basic Information
Kumano Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Tateishi, Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the deities Izanagi-no-Okami, Hayatama-no-Okami, and Koto-no-Saka-no-Okami.
- Address: 44-31 Tateishi 8-chome, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo 124-0012
- Phone Number: 03-3693-5623
- Access: 10-minute walk from Aoto Station on the Keisei Line
- Festival Days: September 16th (Fri) to September 26th (Tue), 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Kumano Shrine Festival is a vibrant and colorful event that attracts visitors from all over Japan. The festival features a variety of events and attractions, including:
Mikoshi Procession
The highlight of the festival is the mikoshi procession, which takes place on September 26th. A mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets by a team of people. The Kumano Shrine mikoshi is particularly large and impressive, and it is carried by over 100 people.
Bon Odori Dance
Another popular event at the festival is the Bon Odori dance. Bon Odori is a traditional Japanese folk dance that is performed during the Obon festival, which is a time to honor the spirits of the dead. The Bon Odori dance at the Kumano Shrine Festival is lively and energetic, and it is a great way to experience Japanese culture.
Food Stalls
There are also a number of food stalls at the festival, where visitors can enjoy a variety of Japanese dishes, such as yakitori, takoyaki, and okonomiyaki. There are also a number of souvenir stalls, where visitors can purchase traditional Japanese crafts and goods.
Fireworks Display
The festival concludes with a spectacular fireworks display on September 26th. The fireworks are launched from a nearby river, and they light up the night sky with their vibrant colors.
Blessings and Deities
Kumano Shrine is dedicated to three deities: Izanagi-no-Okami, Hayatama-no-Okami, and Koto-no-Saka-no-Okami. Izanagi-no-Okami is the god of creation and life, Hayatama-no-Okami is the god of wind and thunder, and Koto-no-Saka-no-Okami is the god of speech and communication.
- Izanagi-no-Okami: God of creation and life
- Hayatama-no-Okami: God of wind and thunder
- Koto-no-Saka-no-Okami: God of speech and communication
Origin and History
Kumano Shrine was founded in 999 AD by the famous阴阳师安倍晴明. Abe no Seimei was a renowned阴阳师, or master of onmyodo, which is a traditional Japanese system of divination and astrology. He is said to have chosen the location of the shrine based on its auspicious feng shui.
- Founded in 999 AD by Abe no Seimei
- Abe no Seimei was a renowned阴阳师
- He chose the location of the shrine based on its auspicious feng shui
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to the Kumano Shrine Festival:
- The festival is very popular, so it is important to arrive early to avoid crowds.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
- Bring a camera to capture the many colorful and festive sights of the festival.
- Be sure to try some of the delicious food that is available at the festival stalls.
- The festival is a great opportunity to learn about Japanese culture and traditions.
Parking Information
There is limited parking available at the Kumano Shrine. Visitors are encouraged to use public transportation or park at a nearby parking lot and walk to the shrine.
- Limited parking available at the Kumano Shrine
- Use public transportation or park at a nearby parking lot and walk to 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. |