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

Basic Information

Karasuyama Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the deities of Mount Hakusan, Mount Ontake, Amaterasu, Ukanomitama, and Sugawara no Michizane.

• Address: 2-21-1 Minami-Karasuyama, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-0062
• Phone Number: 03-3323-0456
• Access: 6-minute walk from Chitose-Karasuyama Station on the Keio Line, or an 8-minute walk from Asagaya Park Station on the Keio Line.
• Festival Days: September 23rd (Mon) and 24th (Tue), 2024

Main Events and Attractions of the Festival

The Karasuyama Shrine Festival is a two-day annual event held on September 23rd and 24th. It features a variety of traditional Japanese cultural performances and activities, as well as food and game stalls.

Mikoshi Procession

One of the main highlights of the festival is the mikoshi procession, where three portable shrines are carried through the streets of Karasuyama by local residents. The procession is accompanied by traditional Japanese music and dance, and it is a lively and colorful spectacle.

• Overview: Portable shrines are carried through the streets of Karasuyama.
• Features: Accompanied by traditional Japanese music and dance.

Kagura Performance

Kagura is a traditional Japanese Shinto ritual dance and music performance. During the Karasuyama Shrine Festival, kagura performances are held at the shrine’s kagura殿 (hall). These performances are a beautiful and sacred way to experience Japanese culture.

• Overview: Traditional Japanese Shinto ritual dance and music performance.
• Features: Held at the shrine’s kagura殿 (hall).

Food and Game Stalls

During the festival, the streets around Karasuyama Shrine are lined with food and game stalls. Visitors can enjoy a variety of traditional Japanese festival foods, such as yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), takoyaki (octopus balls), and kakigori (shaved ice with syrup). There are also a variety of games and activities for children, such as goldfish scooping and ring toss.

• Overview: Food and game stalls line the streets around Karasuyama Shrine.
• Features: Traditional Japanese festival foods, games, and activities for children.

Blessings and Deities

Karasuyama Shrine is dedicated to five deities: Shirakawa Hime no Okami, Ontake no Okami, Amaterasu Omikami, Ukanomitama no Okami, and Sugawara no Michizane. These deities are believed to bestow various blessings upon worshippers, including good fortune, prosperity, academic success, and safe childbirth.

• Shirakawa Hime no Okami: Goddess of matchmaking and縁結び (enmusubi, or縁結び).
• Ontake no Okami: Deity of mountains and agriculture.
• Amaterasu Omikami: Sun goddess and the most important deity in the Shinto pantheon.
• Ukanomitama no Okami: Deity of food and agriculture.
• Sugawara no Michizane: Scholar and statesman, deified as the god of learning and calligraphy.

Origin and History

The exact origins of Karasuyama Shrine are unknown, but it is believed to have been founded sometime during the Muromachi period (1336-1573). The shrine was originally known as Shirakawa Myojin, and it was dedicated to the deity Shirakawa Hime no Okami. In 1873, the shrine was renamed Karasuyama Shrine and moved to its current location.

• Founded: Muromachi period (1336-1573)
• Original name: Shirakawa Myojin
• Renamed: 1873
• Moved to current location: 1873

Tips and Notes for Visitors

Here are some tips and notes for visitors to the Karasuyama Shrine Festival:

• The festival is held on September 23rd and 24th each year.
• The mikoshi procession takes place on both days of the festival, starting at 11:00 AM on September 23rd and 10:00 AM on September 24th.
• The kagura performances are held at the shrine’s kagura殿 (hall) on both days of the festival, starting at 1:00 PM.
• There are food and game stalls lining the streets around the shrine on both days of the festival.
• The festival is a popular event, so it is recommended to arrive early to avoid crowds.

Parking Information

There is no dedicated parking lot for Karasuyama Shrine. However, there are several coin-operated parking lots in the area.

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Popular Stalls and Food Carts in Recent Years