A divine procession of palanquins under the summer sky
Basic Information
Here’s the basic information about the 2024 Susano Shrine Arakawa festival.
- Address: 6-60-1 Minami Senju, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo 116-0003
- Phone Number: 03-3891-8281
- Access: 8-minute walk from Minami-Senju Station on the Hibiya Line, JR Line, Tsukuba Express Line, or Keisei Line
- Festival Days: June 1st (Sat), June 2nd (Sun), 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Susano Shrine Arakawa festival is a vibrant and lively event that attracts many visitors each year. Here are some of the main events and attractions of the festival:
Mikoshi Procession
One of the highlights of the festival is the mikoshi procession. Mikoshi are portable shrines that are carried through the streets by teams of people. The mikoshi of Susano Shrine is particularly large and impressive, and it is carried by a team of over 100 people. The procession is a lively and colorful sight, and it is a great opportunity to experience the energy and excitement of the festival.
Kagura Performance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance and music performance that is often performed at festivals and other special occasions. At the Susano Shrine festival, kagura is performed by a group of young women who are dressed in colorful costumes. The performance is both beautiful and entertaining, and it is a great way to learn more about Japanese culture.
Food Stalls
No Japanese festival is complete without food stalls! At the Susano Shrine festival, there are a wide variety of food stalls selling everything from traditional Japanese dishes to more modern fare. You can find something to suit every taste, and you can enjoy your food while you watch the festival activities.
Fireworks Display
The festival concludes with a spectacular fireworks display. The fireworks are launched from a nearby park, and they light up the night sky with their brilliant colors. The fireworks display is a fitting end to a wonderful festival, and it is a great way to create lasting memories.
Blessings and Deities
Susano Shrine is dedicated to the god Susano-o-no-Mikoto, a powerful and revered deity in Japanese mythology. Susano-o-no-Mikoto is known for his strength, courage, and ability to protect people from evil. He is also associated with agriculture, the sea, and storms.
- Susano-o-no-Mikoto: The main deity of Susano Shrine, known for his strength, courage, and protection against evil.
- Amaterasu-omikami: The sun goddess and sister of Susano-o-no-Mikoto, associated with light, warmth, and fertility.
- Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto: The moon god and brother of Susano-o-no-Mikoto, associated with the night, darkness, and the tides.
Origin and History
The origins of Susano Shrine are shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to have been founded over 1,200 years ago. According to legend, the shrine was established by a wandering monk named Kurojin, who was guided by a divine revelation to build a shrine on the site where Susano-o-no-Mikoto had once descended to earth.
- Founded: Over 1,200 years ago
- Founder: Kurojin, a wandering monk guided by a divine revelation
- Location: Chosen by Susano-o-no-Mikoto himself, according to legend
Tips and Notes for Visitors
If you plan to visit Susano Shrine during the festival, here are a few tips and notes to keep in mind:
- Arrive early: The festival is very popular, so it’s best to arrive early to avoid crowds.
- Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
- Bring cash: Many of the food and souvenir stalls at the festival only accept cash.
- Be respectful: Susano Shrine is a sacred place, so please be respectful of the shrine and its visitors.
Parking Information
There is limited parking available at Susano Shrine. If you plan to drive, it’s best to arrive early to secure a parking spot. Alternatively, you can take public transportation or a taxi to the shrine.
- Limited parking: Available at the shrine, but limited spaces
- Arrive early: Recommended to arrive early to secure a parking spot
- Public transportation: Easily accessible by train or bus
- Taxi: Convenient option for those who prefer not to drive
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. |
