Divine illumination: A celestial tapestry of lights at Tenso Shrine
Basic Information
Tenso Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Adachi Ward, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu, the legendary ancestor of the imperial family of Japan.
- Address: 3-12-3 Shikahama, Adachi-ku, Tokyo 123-0864
- Phone Number: 03-3880-0101
- Access: 20-minute walk from Nishiarai-Daishi-Nishi Station on the Tobu Skytree Line
- Festival Days: October 16th, 2024 (Reiwa 6)
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Tenso Shrine Festival is a vibrant and colorful event that attracts many visitors each year. The main events and attractions of the festival include:
Mikoshi Procession
The mikoshi procession is the highlight of the Tenso Shrine Festival. A mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets by a team of people. The mikoshi is believed to be the temporary dwelling of a deity, and the procession is a way to transport the deity to different parts of the community so that it can bless the people and the land.
- Overview: A parade of portable shrines carried through the streets
- Significance: The mikoshi is believed to be the temporary dwelling of a deity
- Purpose: To transport the deity to different parts of the community to bless the people and the land
Kagura Performance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese performing art that combines music, dance, and storytelling. Kagura performances are often held at Shinto shrines and temples, and they are believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
- Overview: A traditional Japanese performing art that combines music, dance, and storytelling
- Significance: Kagura is believed to bring good luck and prosperity
- Location: Kagura performances are often held at Shinto shrines and temples
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 dead, and the Bon Odori dance is a way to express gratitude to the spirits of the deceased.
- Overview: A traditional Japanese folk dance performed during the Obon festival
- Significance: The Bon Odori dance is a way to express gratitude to the spirits of the deceased
- Location: Bon Odori dances are often held at temples, community centers, and other public spaces
Blessings and Deities
Tenso Shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess and legendary ancestor of the imperial family of Japan. Amaterasu is revered as the bringer of light, warmth, and life, and she is also associated with fertility and prosperity.
- Deity: Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess
- Blessings: Light, warmth, life, fertility, prosperity
Origin and History
The origins of Tenso Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the early Heian period (794-1185). The shrine was originally located in a different part of Adachi Ward, but it was moved to its current location in 1610.
- Founded: Early Heian period (794-1185)
- Original location: Different part of Adachi Ward
- Current location: Moved in 1610
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to Tenso Shrine:
- The shrine is open daily 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.
- Visitors are asked to be respectful of the shrine and its grounds.
Parking Information
There is a small parking lot available for visitors to Tenso Shrine. The parking lot is located behind the shrine, and it can accommodate about 20 cars.
- Location: Behind the shrine
- Capacity: About 20 cars
- Fees: Free
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. |