Vibrant festival of lights in Asahikawa
Shinto shrine located in Kameido, Koto City, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the deity Futsunushi-no-Mikoto, the god of war and victory.
- Address: 3-57-22 Kameido, Koto City, Tokyo 136-0071
- Phone Number: 03-3684-2813
- Access: 10-minute walk from JR Sobu Line Kameido Station North Exit
- Festival Days: August 5th (Mon) and August 6th (Tue), 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Kameido Katori Shrine Festival is a lively and colorful 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 a group of people. The mikoshi of Kameido Katori Shrine is particularly large and impressive, and it is carried by a team of over 100 people. The procession winds its way through the streets of Kameido, accompanied by music and dancing.
Kagura Performance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance that is often performed at Shinto shrines. During the Kameido Katori Shrine Festival, kagura is performed by a group of young women dressed in colorful costumes. The dance is accompanied by music played on traditional Japanese instruments, such as the koto and the shamisen.
Food Stalls
No Japanese festival is complete without food stalls! At the Kameido Katori Shrine Festival, there are many stalls selling a variety of delicious foods, such as yakitori, takoyaki, and okonomiyaki. There are also stalls selling souvenirs and crafts.
Fireworks Display
The festival concludes with a spectacular fireworks display. The fireworks are launched from a barge in the Sumida River, and they light up the night sky with their brilliant colors. The fireworks display is a fitting end to a lively and enjoyable festival.
Blessings and Deities
Kameido Katori Shrine is dedicated to the deity Futsunushi-no-Mikoto, the god of war and victory. Futsunushi-no-Mikoto is said to have helped the legendary emperor Jimmu defeat his enemies and unify Japan. He is also revered as the god of agriculture, business, and safe childbirth.
- Deity: Futsunushi-no-Mikoto
- Blessings: War and victory, agriculture, business, safe childbirth
Origin and History
The origins of Kameido Katori Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the 10th century. The shrine was originally located in a different part of Kameido, but it was moved to its current location in 1657. The shrine was destroyed by fire in 1868, but it was rebuilt in 1872.
- Founded: 10th century
- Moved to current location: 1657
- Destroyed by fire: 1868
- Rebuilt: 1872
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to Kameido Katori Shrine:
- The shrine is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Admission is free.
- The shrine is a popular destination for weddings and other ceremonies.
- There is a small museum on the shrine grounds that displays artifacts related to the shrine’s history.
- The shrine is located a 10-minute walk from Kameido Station on the JR Sobu Line.
Parking Information
There is no parking lot at Kameido Katori Shrine. However, there are several coin-operated parking lots in the area.
- Coin-operated parking lots are available in the area.
- Parking fees vary depending on the lot.
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. |
