Enchanting Shrine Festival in Tokyo: A Journey Through History and Tradition
Basic Information
Mishima Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Shitaya, Taito City, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the deities Ōyamazumi-no-Mikoto, Kamu-oichi-hime-no-Mikoto, and Kamu-ochi-hime-no-Mikoto, and is renowned for its association with good fortune, luck, and protection against misfortune.
- Address: 3-7-5 Shitaya, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0004
- Phone Number: 03-3873-0172
- Access: 8-minute walk from Iriya Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, or a 15-minute walk from Uguisudani Station on the JR Yamanote Line.
- Festival Days: June 14th (Fri) – 16th (Sun), 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Mishima Shrine Festival is a vibrant and colorful celebration that attracts thousands of visitors each year. The festival features a variety of events and attractions, including:
Mikoshi Procession
One of the highlights of the festival is the mikoshi procession, where portable shrines are carried through the streets of Shitaya by teams of people. The mikoshi are elaborately decorated with colorful tapestries and ornaments, and they are accompanied by music and dancing.
- Overview: Portable shrines carried through the streets
- Features: Elaborate decorations, music, and dancing
Kagura Performance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance and music performance that is often performed at Shinto festivals. At the Mishima Shrine Festival, kagura is performed by local children and adults, and it tells the stories of the shrine’s deities and the history of the festival.
- Overview: Traditional Japanese dance and music performance
- Features: Performed by local children and adults, tells stories of deities and festival history
Food and Games
The festival also features a variety of food stalls and games, where visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese festival foods and try their luck at winning prizes.
- Overview: Food stalls and games
- Features: Traditional Japanese festival foods, games of chance
Fireworks Display
The festival concludes with a spectacular fireworks display over the Sumida River. The fireworks light up the night sky with vibrant colors and patterns, and they are a fitting end to the festival.
- Overview: Fireworks display over the Sumida River
- Features: Vibrant colors and patterns, fitting end to the festival
Blessings and Deities
Mishima Shrine is dedicated to three deities: Ōyamazumi-no-Mikoto, Kamu-oichi-hime-no-Mikoto, and Kamu-ochi-hime-no-Mikoto. Ōyamazumi-no-Mikoto is the god of mountains and is said to bring good fortune and prosperity. Kamu-oichi-hime-no-Mikoto is the goddess of longevity and is said to protect against illness and misfortune. Kamu-ochi-hime-no-Mikoto is the goddess of fertility and is said to bless women with easy childbirth and healthy children.
- Ōyamazumi-no-Mikoto: God of mountains, brings good fortune and prosperity
- Kamu-oichi-hime-no-Mikoto: Goddess of longevity, protects against illness and misfortune
- Kamu-ochi-hime-no-Mikoto: Goddess of fertility, blesses women with easy childbirth and healthy children
Origin and History
The origins of Mishima Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the 13th century. The shrine was originally located in Ueno Park, but it was moved to its current location in Shitaya in the 17th century. Mishima Shrine has a long history of serving the local community, and it is a popular destination for worshippers and tourists alike.
- Founded in the 13th century
- Originally located in Ueno Park
- Moved to current location in Shitaya in the 17th century
- Long history of serving the local community
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to Mishima Shrine:
- The shrine is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Admission is free.
- Visitors are encouraged to dress respectfully when visiting the shrine.
- Photography is permitted within the shrine grounds, but please be respectful of other visitors.
- The shrine offers a variety of amulets and charms that can be purchased as souvenirs or for good luck.
Parking Information
There is no parking lot at Mishima Shrine, but there are several public parking lots nearby. The closest parking lot is the Shitaya Parking Lot, which is located a 5-minute walk from the shrine.
- No parking lot at Mishima Shrine
- Closest parking lot: Shitaya Parking Lot (5-minute walk from shrine)
- Other public parking lots nearby
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. |
