Divine melodies echo through the streets of Itabashi
Basic Information
Tokiwadai Tenso Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Itabashi Ward, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu, the god of agriculture and industry Ōkuninushi, and the god of mountains Ōyamazumi.
- Address: 2-4-3 Minami Tokiwadai, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 174-0072
- Phone Number: 03-3956-6168
- Access: 1-minute walk from Tokiwadai Station on the Tobu Tojo Line
- Festival Days: September 21st and 22nd, 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Tokiwadai Tenso Shrine Festival is a two-day annual event that takes place on September 21st and 22nd. The festival features a variety of events and attractions, including:
Mikoshi Procession
One of the main highlights of the festival is the mikoshi procession. On the second day of the festival, a portable shrine (mikoshi) is carried through the streets of Tokiwadai by local residents. The procession is accompanied by music and dancing, and it is a lively and colorful event.
Kagura Performance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese performing art that combines music, dance, and storytelling. During the Tokiwadai Tenso Shrine Festival, kagura performances are held at the shrine’s main hall. These performances are a great way to learn about Japanese culture and history.
Food Stalls
No Japanese festival is complete without food stalls! At the Tokiwadai Tenso Shrine Festival, there will be a variety of food stalls selling everything from traditional Japanese dishes to international cuisine. There will also be plenty of drinks available, including beer, sake, and soft drinks.
Games and Activities
There will also be a variety of games and activities for children and adults alike 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 evening of the second day. The fireworks are launched from a nearby park, and they can be seen from all over Tokiwadai. The fireworks display is a beautiful and fitting end to the festival.
Blessings and Deities
Tokiwadai Tenso Shrine is dedicated to three deities: Amaterasu, the sun goddess; Ōkuninushi, the god of agriculture and industry; and Ōyamazumi, the god of mountains. These deities are said to bestow blessings of good fortune, prosperity, and protection upon those who worship them.
- Amaterasu: Goddess of the sun, brings blessings of light, warmth, and life.
- Ōkuninushi: God of agriculture and industry, brings blessings of bountiful harvests and prosperity.
- Ōyamazumi: God of mountains, brings blessings of protection and stability.
Origin and History
The origins of Tokiwadai Tenso Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the Kamakura period (1185-1333). The shrine was originally located in a different part of Itabashi Ward, but it was moved to its current location in 1929. The shrine was destroyed by fire in 1945 during World War II, but it was rebuilt in 1951.
- Founded: Kamakura period (1185-1333)
- Moved to current location: 1929
- Destroyed by fire: 1945
- Rebuilt: 1951
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to the Tokiwadai Tenso Shrine Festival:
- The festival is held on September 21st and 22nd, 2024.
- The festival is open to the public and free to attend.
- The festival features a variety of events and attractions, including a mikoshi procession, kagura performances, food stalls, games, and activities.
- The festival concludes with a spectacular fireworks display on the evening of the second day.
- The shrine is located a 1-minute walk from Tokiwadai Station on the Tobu Tojo Line.
Parking Information
There is no parking lot at Tokiwadai Tenso Shrine. However, there are several public parking lots in the area. The closest parking lot is the Tokiwadai Station Parking Lot, which is located a 2-minute walk from the shrine.
- Tokiwadai Station Parking Lot
- Address: 2-1-1 Minami Tokiwadai, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 174-0072
- Hours: 24 hours
- Rates: ¥100 per 30 minutes
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. |
