Divine illumination at Sumiyoshi Shrine

Basic Information

Sumiyoshi Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Ome, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the four deities of Sumiyoshi Taisha, a famous shrine in Osaka, and is considered a guardian deity of seafarers, fishermen, and merchants.

• Address: 12 Sumiyoshi-cho, Ome-shi, Tokyo 198-0084, Japan
• Phone Number: 0428-22-2747
• Access: 3-minute walk from JR Ome Station
• Festival Days: April 28th (Sun), 2024 (Reiwa 6)

Main Events and Attractions of the Festival

The Sumiyoshi Shrine Festival is an annual event that takes place on April 28th. It is a lively and colorful festival that attracts many visitors from all over the region.

Mikoshi Procession

The highlight of the festival is the mikoshi procession. A mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets by a team of people. The Sumiyoshi Shrine mikoshi is a large and elaborate structure that is decorated with colorful tapestries and carvings. It is carried by a team of over 100 people, and it is a sight to behold as it makes its way through the streets.

Traditional Performances

During the festival, there are also a number of traditional performances, including:

• Kagura: A traditional Shinto dance that is performed to entertain the gods.
• Taiko drumming: A powerful and energetic form of drumming that is often performed at festivals.
• Lion dance: A traditional Chinese dance that is performed to bring good luck and fortune.

Food and Games

There are also a number of food and game stalls at the festival. Visitors can enjoy a variety of traditional Japanese foods, such as takoyaki, yakisoba, and okonomiyaki. There are also a number of games to play, such as ring toss and goldfish scooping.

Fireworks Display

The festival concludes with a spectacular fireworks display. The fireworks are launched from a nearby hill, and they light up the night sky with their brilliant colors.

Blessings and Deities

Sumiyoshi Shrine is dedicated to the four deities of Sumiyoshi Taisha, a famous shrine in Osaka. These deities are:

• Sokotsutsu-no-o-no-mikoto (底筒男命): God of the sea and protector of seafarers
• Nakatsutsu-no-o-no-mikoto (中筒男命): God of the wind and protector of fishermen
• Uwatsutsu-no-o-no-mikoto (表筒男命): God of the land and protector believed to bring blessings of safety, good fortune, and prosperity to those who worship them.

  Origin and History

  Sumiyoshi Shrine was founded in 1369 by a Buddhist monk named Kiryū. Kiryū was from Izumi Province (present-day Osaka Prefecture), and he brought with him a statue of Sumiyoshi Daimyōjin, the main deity of Sumiyoshi Taisha. The shrine was originally located on a hill called Inariyama, but it was moved to its current location in 1513 by a local lord named Mita Ujizane.

  In 1613, the shrine was destroyed by a fire, but it was rebuilt in 1616. The current shrine buildings date from the 18th and 19th centuries.

  Tips and Notes for Visitors

  • The Sumiyoshi Shrine Festival is held on April 28th every year. The festival features a mikoshi procession, traditional performances, and food stalls.
  • The shrine is open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission is free.
  • There is a parking lot available for visitors.
  • The shrine is a popular spot for weddings and other ceremonies.

  Parking Information

  There is a parking lot available for visitors to Sumiyoshi Shrine. The parking lot is located a short walk from the shrine.

  • Parking fee: 500 yen per day
  • Hours of operation: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

  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.