Vibrant hues illuminate the night at Mitakasuga Shrine

Basic Information

Mitakasuga Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Mita, Minato, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the deity Amenokoyane no Mikoto, the god of speech and eloquence.

• Address: 2-13-9 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0073
• Phone Number: 03-3451-5420
• Access: 10-minute walk from JR Tamachi Station, 10-minute walk from Mita Station on the Toei Mita Line and Asakusa Line, 10-minute walk from Akabanebashi Station on the Toei Oedo Line
• Festival Days: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday closest to September 9th

Main Events and Attractions of the Festival

The Mitakasuga 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

One of the highlights of the festival is the mikoshi procession, where a portable shrine is carried through the streets of Mita by groups of people. The mikoshi is decorated with elaborate carvings and ornaments, and it is believed that carrying it brings good luck and prosperity to the community.

Kagura Dance

Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance that is often performed at Shinto festivals. At the Mitakasuga Shrine Festival, kagura is performed by young women dressed in colorful costumes. The dance is said to bring good fortune and purification to the community.

Food Stalls

During the festival, there are many food stalls set up around the shrine, selling a variety of traditional Japanese foods and snacks. Some of the most popular items include yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), takoyaki (octopus balls), and taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes filled with sweet bean paste).

Games and Activities

There are also a number of games and activities for children and adults to enjoy at the festival. These include traditional Japanese games like ring toss and goldfish scooping, as well as more modern games like face painting and balloon animals.

Fireworks Display

The festival concludes with a spectacular fireworks display on the evening of the final day. The fireworks are launched from a barge in the nearby Shiba Park, and they light up the night sky with their brilliant colors.

Blessings and Deities

Mitakasuga Shrine is dedicated to the deity Amenokoyane no Mikoto, the god of speech and eloquence. He is said to have played a vital role in the negotiations between the gods and humans, and he is also believed to have brought the art of writing to Japan. As a result, Mitakasuga Shrine is a popular destination for people who are seeking blessings for success in communication, business, and the arts.

Origin and History

The origins of Mitakasuga Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the 10th century. The shrine was originally located in the village of Mita, but it was moved to its current location in the 16th century. Mitakasuga Shrine has a long and rich history, and it has been visited by many famous people over the years, including the Tokugawa shoguns and the Emperor Meiji.

Tips and Notes for Visitors

Mitakasuga Shrine is a popular tourist destination, and it is especially crowded during the annual festival in September. If you are planning to visit the shrine, it is best to go during the off-season (November to March) when it is less crowded. The shrine is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day, and there is no admission fee. Photography is allowed inside the shrine, but please be respectful of other visitors and avoid using flash photography.

Parking Information

There is no parking lot at Mitakasuga Shrine, but there are several public parking lots nearby. The closest parking lot is the Mita Park Parking Lot, which is located a 5-minute walk from the shrine. The parking lot has a capacity of 100 cars, and the parking fee is 300 yen per hour.

Popular Stalls and Food Carts in Recent Years