Gleaming lights dance in the night sky of Shinjuku

Basic Information

Itsukushima Shrine (Nub弁天) is a shrine located in Yochōmachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the goddess Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto, the goddess of water and the wife of Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the god of storms and the sea. The shrine is also known as Nub弁天, which means “the shrine of the drawn sword,” and is one of the seven lucky gods of Shinjuku.

• Address: 8-5 Yochōmachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-0055
• Phone Number: 03-3268-0430
• Access: 8-minute walk from Wakamatsu Kawada Station on the Toei Ōedo Line
• Festival Days: November 17th and 18th, 2024

Main Events and Attractions of the Festival

The Itsukushima Shrine (Nub弁天) Festival is a lively and colorful event that attracts many visitors each year. The main events and attractions of the festival include:

Mikoshi Procession

The highlight of the festival is the mikoshi procession, which takes place on the second day of the festival. A mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets by a team of people. The mikoshi of Itsukushima Shrine is particularly large and impressive, and it is carried by a team of over 100 people. The procession is accompanied by music and dancing, and it is a truly spectacular sight.

Kagura Performance

Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance that is often performed at Shinto shrines. During the Itsukushima Shrine (Nub弁天) Festival, kagura is performed by a group of young women who are dressed in elaborate costumes. The kagura is a beautiful and graceful dance that tells the story of the gods and goddesses of Japan.

Food Stalls

No Japanese festival is complete without food stalls, and the Itsukushima Shrine (Nub弁天) Festival is no exception. There are many food stalls at the festival, selling a variety of delicious Japanese dishes, such as yakitori, takoyaki, and okonomiyaki. There are also many stalls selling souvenirs, such as t-shirts, hats, and keychains.

Fireworks Display

The festival concludes with a spectacular fireworks display on the evening of the second day. The fireworks are launched from a barge in the middle of the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, and they light up the night sky with their brilliant colors.

Blessings and Deities

Itsukushima Shrine (Nub弁天) is dedicated to the goddess Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto, the goddess of water and the wife of Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the god of storms and the sea. Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto is also known as Benten, the goddess of good fortune and wealth. She is one of the seven lucky gods of Japan, and she is often depicted holding a biwa, a Japanese lute. Visitors to the shrine pray to Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto for good luck, wealth, and prosperity.

Origin and History

The origins of Itsukushima Shrine (Nub弁天) are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the 11th century. The shrine was originally located on the banks of the Kanda River, but it was moved to its current location in 1629. The shrine was destroyed by fire in 1657, but it was rebuilt in 1661. The shrine has been rebuilt several times since then, most recently in 1935.

Tips and Notes for Visitors

Itsukushima Shrine (Nub弁天) is a popular tourist destination, and it is especially crowded during the annual festival in November. If you are planning to visit the shrine during the festival, it is a good idea to arrive early to avoid the crowds. The shrine is also a popular spot for weddings, so it is not uncommon to see brides and grooms taking photos in front of the shrine.

Parking Information

There is no parking lot at Itsukushima Shrine (Nub弁天), but there are several public parking lots nearby. The closest parking lot is the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden Parking Lot, which is located a 5-minute walk from the shrine. The parking lot has a capacity of 1,000 cars, and it is open 24 hours a day. The parking fee is 500 yen per hour.

Popular Stalls and Food Carts in Recent Years