Enchanting Shrine Festival in Tokyo: Where Tradition Meets Merriment
Basic Information
Kumano Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Shimo, Kita Ward, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the deities Izanagi, Izanami, and Koto-no-Masakatsu-no-Kami.
- Address: 4-19-1 Shimo, Kita Ward, Tokyo 115-0042
- Phone Number: 03-3902-2140
- Access: 10-minute walk from Shimo Station on the Tokyo Metro南北線
- Festival Days: First Saturday and Sunday of September
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Kumano Shrine Festival is a vibrant and lively 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. A mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets by festival participants. The mikoshi of Kumano Shrine is particularly large and impressive, and it is carried by a team of dozens of people.
Kagura Performance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance and music performance that is often performed at Shinto festivals. At the Kumano Shrine Festival, kagura is performed by a group of young women who are dressed in elaborate costumes. The kagura performance is a beautiful and graceful way to celebrate the festival.
Food and Games
The festival also features a variety of food and games. There are stalls selling traditional Japanese festival foods, such as yakitori, takoyaki, and cotton candy. There are also games for children, such as ring toss and goldfish scooping.
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.
Blessings and Deities
Kumano Shrine is dedicated to the deities Izanagi, Izanami, and Koto-no-Masakatsu-no-Kami. Izanagi and Izanami are the creator deities of Japan, and Koto-no-Masakatsu-no-Kami is the deity of truth and sincerity.
- Izanagi: Creator deity of Japan, associated with life and renewal
- Izanami: Creator deity of Japan, associated with death and the underworld
- Koto-no-Masakatsu-no-Kami: Deity of truth and sincerity, associated with good fortune and prosperity
Origin and History
The origins of Kumano Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the early Heian period (794-1185). The shrine was originally located in a different part of Kita Ward, but it was moved to its current location in 1659.
- Early Heian period (794-1185): Possible founding of Kumano Shrine
- 1659: Shrine moved to its current location
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to the Kumano Shrine Festival:
- The festival is held on the first Saturday and Sunday of September each year.
- The festival is very popular, so it is important to arrive early to avoid crowds.
- There are a variety of food and games available at the festival.
- The festival concludes with a spectacular fireworks display.
Parking Information
There is limited parking available at the Kumano Shrine. Visitors are encouraged to use public transportation or park in nearby parking lots.
- Limited parking available at the shrine
- Use public transportation or park in nearby parking lots
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. |
