Enchanting Shrine Festival Illuminates Asahikawa Night

Basic Information

Akiruno Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Akiruno City, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the deities Ōmononushi no Kami, Ajisukitakahikone no Kami, Takehaya Susanoo no Mikoto, and Amenokoyane no Mikoto.

• Address: 1081 Itsukaichi, Akiruno, Tokyo 190-0164, Japan
• Phone Number: 042-596-0560
• Access: 15-minute walk from Musashi-Itsukaichi Station on the JR Itsukaichi Line
• Festival Days: September 28th (Sat) – 30th (Mon), 2024

Main Events and Attractions of the Festival

The Akiruno Shrine Festival is a three-day festival held annually from September 28th to 30th. It is one of the largest and most popular festivals in Akiruno City, attracting thousands of visitors each year.

Mikoshi Procession

The highlight of the festival is the mikoshi procession, which takes place on the second and third days of the festival. Six mikoshi (portable shrines) are carried through the streets of Akiruno City by teams of people. The mikoshi are elaborately decorated with colorful tapestries and carvings, and they are accompanied by music and dancing.

• Overview: A lively procession of six portable shrines through the streets of Akiruno City
• Features: Elaborately decorated mikoshi, traditional music and dancing

Kagura Performance

Another popular event at the festival is the kagura performance. Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance and music performance that is often performed at Shinto shrines. The kagura performance at the Akiruno Shrine Festival tells the story of the shrine’s founding and the history of the local area.

• Overview: A traditional Japanese dance and music performance that tells the story of the shrine’s founding
• Features: Colorful costumes, dynamic dancing, and captivating music

Food and Games

In addition to the mikoshi procession and kagura performance, the festival also features a variety of food and games. There are food stalls selling traditional Japanese festival foods such as yakisoba, takoyaki, and cotton candy. There are also games such as ring toss and goldfish scooping.

• Overview: A wide variety of food stalls and games for people of all ages
• Features: Traditional Japanese festival foods, fun and challenging games

Blessings and Deities

Akiruno Shrine is dedicated to four deities: Ōmononushi no Kami, Ajisukitakahikone no Kami, Takehaya Susanoo no Mikoto, and Amenokoyane no Mikoto. These deities are believed to bestow various blessings upon worshippers, including good fortune, prosperity, and protection from evil.

• Ōmononushi no Kami: God of marriage, childbirth, and agriculture
• Ajisukitakahikone no Kami: God of thunder and lightning
• Takehaya Susanoo no Mikoto: God of the sea and storms
• Amenokoyane no Mikoto: God of wind and rain

Origin and History

The origins of Akiruno Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded during the Heian period (794-1185). The shrine was originally located in a different part of Akiruno City, but it was moved to its current location in 1604.

• Founded: Heian period (794-1185)
• Moved to current location: 1604

Tips and Notes for Visitors

Here are some tips and notes for visitors to the Akiruno Shrine Festival:

• The festival is very popular, so it is important to arrive early to avoid crowds.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
• Bring a camera to capture the many sights and sounds of the festival.
• Be respectful of the shrine and its customs.

Parking Information

There is limited parking available at the shrine, so it is recommended to use public transportation or park in a nearby parking lot and walk to the shrine.

• Limited parking available at the shrine
• Use public transportation or park in a nearby parking lot and walk to the shrine

Popular Stalls and Food Carts in Recent Years