Enchanting Shrine Festival in Tokyo: A Journey Through History and Tradition

Basic Information

Tada Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Minami-dai, Nakano Ward, Tokyo, Japan. It is classified as a village shrine in the modern shrine ranking system.

• Address: 1-43-1 Minami-dai, Nakano-ku, Tokyo 164-0014
• Phone Number: 03-3381-4376
• Access: 7-minute walk from the No. 2 exit (east exit) of Marunouchi Line, Hounancho Station, or a 17-minute walk from Keio Line, Sasazuka Station
• Festival Days: August 26th (Mon) and 27th (Tue), 2024

Main Events and Attractions of the Festival

The Tada Shrine Festival is a vibrant and lively event that attracts many visitors each year. The festival features a variety of traditional Japanese cultural performances and activities, as well as food and games.

Mikoshi Procession

The highlight of the festival is the mikoshi procession, which takes place on August 27th. The mikoshi, a portable shrine, is carried through the streets of the neighborhood by a team of people. The procession is accompanied by music and dancing, and it is a joyous occasion for the community.

Lion Dance

Another popular attraction at the festival is the lion dance. The lion dance is performed by a team of people wearing lion costumes. The lion dance is said to bring good luck and fortune, and it is a popular attraction for children and adults alike.

Taiko Drumming

Taiko drumming is a traditional Japanese form of drumming that is often performed at festivals. At the Tada Shrine Festival, there will be a taiko drumming performance by a local group. The taiko drumming is sure to get your heart racing and your spirits high.

Food and Games

In addition to the cultural performances, there will also be a variety of food and games at the festival. You can enjoy traditional Japanese festival foods such as yakitori, takoyaki, and cotton candy. There will also be a variety of games for children and adults to enjoy.

Blessings and Deities

The deity enshrined at Tada Shrine is Tada Mitsunaka, a military commander and politician who lived during the Heian period. He is revered as the founder of the Tada clan, which later became the Minamoto clan, one of the most powerful clans in Japanese history.

Tada Mitsunaka is said to have possessed both literary and martial skills, and he rose through the ranks of the military to become a trusted advisor to the emperor. He was also a skilled administrator, and he is credited with developing new agricultural techniques and improving the lives of the people in his domain.

Tada Mitsunaka is worshipped at Tada Shrine for his many accomplishments, and he is also seen as a guardian deity of the Minamoto clan. People come to the shrine to pray for success in their careers, good health, and good fortune.

Origin and History

Tada Shrine was founded in 1092 by Minamoto Yoshiie, the son of Tada Mitsunaka. Yoshiie built the shrine to honor his father and to pray for victory in the Gosannen War, a civil war that was taking place at the time.

After the war, Yoshiie returned to Tada Shrine and dedicated a sacred mirror to the shrine. He also built a temple called Hossen-ji next to the shrine. Hossen-ji served as the head temple of the Tada Shrine for many years.

In the Meiji period, Hossen-ji was separated from Tada Shrine, and the shrine was designated as a village shrine. Tada Shrine has continued to be a popular place of worship for the people of Nakano Ward, and it is also a popular tourist destination.

Tips and Notes for Visitors

If you are planning to visit Tada Shrine, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• The shrine is open every day from sunrise to sunset.
• Admission to the shrine is free.
• There is a small parking lot at the shrine, but it is often full. It is best to arrive early or use public transportation.
• The shrine is a popular destination for weddings and other ceremonies, so it can be crowded on weekends and holidays.
• There is a gift shop at the shrine where you can purchase souvenirs and amulets.

Parking Information

There is a small parking lot at Tada Shrine, but it is often full. It is best to arrive early or use public transportation.

If you are coming by car, you can park at the following nearby parking lots:

• Nakano Ward Office Parking Lot (5-minute walk from the shrine)
• Minami-dai Community Center Parking Lot (5-minute walk from the shrine)
• Nakano Sports Center Parking Lot (10-minute walk from the shrine)

Popular Stalls and Food Carts in Recent Years