Enchanting lights dance at Tenso Shrine, a festival of summer.
Basic Information
Tenso Shrine, also known as Ryudo Jinja, is a Shinto shrine located in the Minato ward of Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess, and her two children, Izanagi and Izanami, the creators of the Japanese islands.
- Address: 7-7-7 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0032
- Phone Number: 03-3408-5898
- Access: 5-minute walk from Roppongi Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line or the Toei Oedo Line, or a 5-minute walk from Nogizaka Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line.
- Festival Days: September (specific dates vary each year)
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Tenso Shrine Festival is an annual event that takes place over several days in September. 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 the final day of the festival. A mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets by a team of people. The mikoshi of Tenso Shrine is particularly large and heavy, and it is carried by a team of over 100 people.
Kagura Performance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance and music performance that is often performed at Shinto shrines. During the Tenso Shrine Festival, kagura performances are held on several stages throughout the festival grounds.
Food Stalls
A variety of food stalls are set up at the festival, selling a variety of Japanese and international dishes. Some of the most popular foods include yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), takoyaki (octopus balls), and kakigori (shaved ice with syrup).
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 final night. The fireworks are launched from a barge in the nearby Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, and they can be seen from all over the festival grounds.
Blessings and Deities
Tenso Shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess, and her two children, Izanagi and Izanami, the creators of the Japanese islands. Amaterasu Omikami is the most important deity in the Shinto religion, and she is revered as the protector of Japan and the Japanese people. Izanagi and Izanami are also important deities, and they are credited with creating the Japanese islands and giving birth to the Japanese people.
- Amaterasu Omikami: Goddess of the sun, protector of Japan and the Japanese people
- Izanagi and Izanami: Creators of the Japanese islands and parents of the Japanese people
Origin and History
The origins of Tenso Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the 14th century. The shrine was originally located in what is now the Roppongi district of Tokyo, but it was moved to its current location in the 17th century. Tenso Shrine has been a popular place of worship for centuries, and it is visited by millions of people each year.
- Founded in the 14th century
- Originally located in the Roppongi district of Tokyo
- Moved to its current location in the 17th century
- Popular place of worship for centuries
Tips and Notes for Visitors
If you are planning to visit Tenso Shrine, here are a few tips and notes to keep in mind:
- The shrine is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day.
- Admission is free.
- There is a large parking lot available for visitors.
- The shrine is a popular tourist destination, so it can be crowded at times.
- If you are visiting during a festival, be prepared for large crowds and long lines.
Parking Information
There is a large parking lot available for visitors to Tenso Shrine. The parking lot is located next to the shrine, and it can accommodate over 100 cars. The parking fee is 500 yen per day.
- Location: Next to the shrine
- Capacity: Over 100 cars
- Fee: 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. |