Celestial ropes, divine festivities at Tenso Shrine
Basic Information
Tenso Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the deities Amaterasu Omikami, Take-Mikazuchi-no-Mikoto, and Futsunushi-no-Mikoto.
- Address: 2-35-16 Okudo, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo 124-0023
- Phone Number: 03-3691-5200
- Access: 15 minutes on foot from Shin-Koiwa Station on the JR Sobu Line
- Festival Days: Second Saturday of October (October 12th, 2024)
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Tenso Shrine Festival is a vibrant and lively event that attracts many visitors each year. The main events and attractions of the festival include:
O-Mikoshi Procession
One of the highlights of the festival is the O-Mikoshi Procession. A portable shrine, or mikoshi, is carried through the streets of the neighborhood by a team of people. The mikoshi is believed to be inhabited by the deity of the shrine, and the procession is a way to show respect and gratitude to the deity.
Kagura Performance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese performing art that combines music, dance, and storytelling. During the Tenso Shrine Festival, kagura performances are held at the shrine’s main hall. The performances tell stories from Japanese mythology and are a beautiful and captivating way to learn about Japanese culture.
Food Stalls
No Japanese festival is complete without food stalls! At the Tenso Shrine Festival, there are many stalls selling a variety of delicious foods, including traditional Japanese dishes like yakitori, takoyaki, and okonomiyaki. There are also stalls selling souvenirs and crafts.
Fireworks Display
The Tenso Shrine Festival concludes with a spectacular fireworks display. The fireworks are launched from a nearby park, and they light up the night sky with their vibrant colors. The fireworks display is a beautiful and exciting way to end the festival.
Blessings and Deities
The Tenso Shrine is dedicated to three deities: Amaterasu Omikami, the goddess of the sun; Take-Mikazuchi-no-Mikoto, the god of thunder; and Futsunushi-no-Mikoto, the god of swords. These deities are believed to bring blessings of good health, prosperity, and protection to those who worship them.
- Amaterasu Omikami: Goddess of the sun, brings blessings of light, warmth, and life.
- Take-Mikazuchi-no-Mikoto: God of thunder, brings blessings of protection against evil and natural disasters.
- Futsunushi-no-Mikoto: God of swords, brings blessings of courage, strength, and victory.
Origin and History
The origins of the 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 Katsushika Ward, but it was moved to its current location in 1641.
- Founded: Kamakura period (1185-1333)
- Original location: Different part of Katsushika Ward
- Moved to current location: 1641
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to the Tenso Shrine Festival:
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
- Bring a camera to capture the beautiful sights of the festival.
- Arrive early to get a good spot for viewing the parade and fireworks.
- Be respectful of the shrine and its customs.
- Enjoy the festival and have fun!
Parking Information
There is limited parking available at the Tenso 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. |
