Gleaming lights, vibrant festival
Basic Information
Kumano Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Suginami Ward, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the deities Izanagi, Izanami, and Amaterasu.
- Address: 3-21-29 Izumi, Suginami-ku, Tokyo 168-0063
- Phone Number: 03-3328-6830
- Access: 7-minute walk from Eifukucho Station on the Keio Inokashira Line
- Festival Days: Second Sunday of September
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Kumano Shrine Festival is a vibrant and lively event that attracts many 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. A mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets by a group of people. The mikoshi is believed to be the temporary dwelling place of a deity, and the procession is a way of showing respect to the deity and asking for blessings.
Kagura Performance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese performing art that combines music, dance, and storytelling. Kagura performances are often held at Shinto shrines and festivals, and they are a way of expressing gratitude to the gods and asking for blessings.
Bon Odori Dance
Bon Odori is a traditional Japanese folk dance that is performed during the Obon festival. The Obon festival is a time to remember and honor the spirits of deceased ancestors, and the Bon Odori dance is a way of expressing gratitude to them.
Food Stalls
There are also a variety of food stalls at the festival, selling a variety of delicious Japanese foods. Some of the most popular foods include yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), takoyaki (octopus balls), and taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes filled with sweet bean paste).
Games and Activities
There are also a variety of games and activities for children at the festival, such as goldfish scooping and ring toss. These games and activities are a great way for children to have fun and enjoy the festival.
Blessings and Deities
Kumano Shrine is dedicated to the three deities of the Kumano Sanzan, a sacred mountain range in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. These deities are:
- Izanagi-no-Mikoto: The god of creation and the father of the Japanese islands.
- Izanami-no-Mikoto: The goddess of creation and the mother of the Japanese islands.
- Susanoo-no-Mikoto: The god of storms and the sea.
These deities are believed to bring blessings of good fortune, health, and prosperity to those who worship them.
Origin and History
The origins of Kumano Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the 13th century. The shrine was originally located in a different part of Suginami Ward, but it was moved to its current location in 1634.
Kumano Shrine has a long and rich history. It has been visited by many famous people over the years, including the samurai warlord Tokugawa Ieyasu and the emperor Meiji.
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to Kumano Shrine:
- The shrine is open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Admission is free.
- There is a small parking lot available for visitors.
- The shrine is a popular destination for weddings and other ceremonies.
- There are several restaurants and shops located near the shrine.
Parking Information
There is a small parking lot available for visitors to Kumano Shrine. The parking lot is located on the north side of the shrine.
The parking lot is free of charge, but it is limited to 10 cars.
If the parking lot is full, there are several other parking lots located 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. |
