Enchanting melodies and vibrant hues converge at the中野沼袋氷川神社 festival.
is a Shinto shrine located in Nakano Ward, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the god Susanoo-no-Mikoto, who is known for his role in slaying the eight-headed serpent Yamata no Orochi.
- Address: 1-31-4 Numabukuro, Nakano-ku, Tokyo 165-0025
- Phone Number: 03-3386-5566
- Access: 2-minute walk from Numabukuro Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line
- Festival Days: June 3rd (Sat) and 4th (Sun), 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The annual Nakanumabukuro Hikawa Shrine Festival is a lively and colorful event that attracts many visitors to Nakano Ward. The festival features a variety of traditional and modern attractions, including:
Mikoshi Procession
One of the highlights of the festival is the mikoshi procession, where portable shrines are carried through the streets by teams of people. The mikoshi are elaborately decorated with colorful tapestries and ornaments, and they are accompanied by music and dancing. The procession is a lively and energetic spectacle that is sure to impress visitors.
Yatai Food Stalls
No Japanese festival is complete without yatai, or food stalls. At the Nakanumabukuro Hikawa Shrine Festival, there will be a wide variety of yatai selling everything from traditional Japanese dishes like yakitori and takoyaki to more modern fare like crepes and popcorn. There is sure to be something to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.
Live Music and Performances
The festival also features a variety of live music and performances, including traditional Japanese music and dance, as well as more modern performances like pop and rock concerts. There is something for everyone to enjoy, and the performances are a great way to experience Japanese culture.
Fireworks Display
The festival culminates in a spectacular fireworks display on the evening of June 4th. The fireworks are launched from a nearby park, and they light up the night sky with their brilliant colors. The fireworks display is a beautiful and fitting end to the festival, and it is sure to leave visitors with lasting memories.
Blessings and Deities
The Nakanumabukuro, who is known for his role in slaying the eight-headed serpent Yamata no Orochi. Susanoo-no-Mikoto is also associated with a variety of other blessings, including:
- Protection from evil and misfortune
- Good luck in business and finance
- Success in relationships and marriage
- Safe childbirth and childrearing
- Healing from illness and injury
Origin and History
The Nakanumabukuro Hikawa Shrine was founded in 1346 by a local warlord named Ota Dokan. Dokan was a devout follower of Susanoo-no-Mikoto, and he built the shrine as a place to worship the god and pray for his protection. The shrine has been rebuilt and renovated several times over the centuries, but it has always remained an important place of worship for the people of Nakano Ward.
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are a few tips and notes for visitors to the Nakanumabukuro Hikawa Shrine:
- The shrine is open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Admission is free.
- There is a small parking lot available for visitors.
- The shrine is a popular destination for weddings and other special events.
- There are a number of restaurants and shops located near the shrine.
Parking Information
There is a small parking lot available for visitors to the Nakanumabukuro Hikawa Shrine. The parking lot is located on the north side of the shrine, and it can accommodate up to 25 cars. The parking fee is 500 yen per day.
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. |
