Oshiage Tenso Shrine: A festival of grandeur and devotion
Basic Information
Oshiage Tenso Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Sumida Ward, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the gods Amaterasu, Hachiman, and Kasuga. The shrine was founded in the 14th century and is known for its annual festival, which is held on September 16th and 17th.
- Address: 2-13-6 Naritahira, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-0002
- Phone Number: 03-3622-0331
- Access: 3-minute walk from Oshiage Station on the Toei Asakusa Line or Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, or a 5-minute walk from Tokyo Skytree Station on the Tobu Skytree Line.
- Festival Days: September 16th (Mon) and 17th (Tue), 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Oshiage Tenso Shrine Festival is a two-day event held annually on September 16th and 17th. The festival features a variety of events and attractions, including:
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 Oshiage Tenso Shrine mikoshi is particularly large and heavy, and it is carried by a team of over 100 people.
Kagura Performance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance that is performed to Shinto music. During the Oshiage Tenso Shrine Festival, kagura is performed by a group of young women dressed in colorful costumes. The kagura performance is a beautiful and graceful way to learn about Japanese culture.
Food Stalls
No Japanese festival is complete without food stalls! At the Oshiage Tenso Shrine Festival, you can find a variety of food stalls selling everything from traditional Japanese dishes to modern festival favorites. Some of the most popular foods include yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), takoyaki (octopus balls), and kakigori (shaved ice with syrup).
Games and Activities
In addition to the mikoshi procession, kagura performance, and food stalls, the Oshiage Tenso Shrine Festival also features a variety of games and activities for people of all ages. These include traditional Japanese games like ring toss and goldfish scooping, as well as more modern games like face painting and balloon animals.
Blessings and Deities
Oshiage Tenso Shrine is dedicated to the gods Amaterasu, Hachiman, and Kasuga. Amaterasu is the sun goddess and the most important deity in the Shinto pantheon. Hachiman is the god of war and warriors, and Kasuga is the god of thunder and agriculture.
- Amaterasu: Goddess of the sun and the most important deity in Shinto
- Hachiman: God of war and warriors
- Kasuga: God of thunder and agriculture
Origin and History
The origins of Oshiage Tenso Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the 14th century. The shrine was originally located in a different part of Sumida Ward, but it was moved to its current location in 1657.
- Founded: 14th century
- Original location: Different part of Sumida Ward
- Moved to current location: 1657
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to the Oshiage Tenso Shrine Festival:
- The festival is very popular, so it is important to arrive early to avoid crowds.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
- Bring a camera to capture all the sights and sounds of the festival.
- Be respectful of the shrine and its customs.
Parking Information
There is no parking lot at Oshiage Tenso Shrine. However, there are several public parking lots nearby.
- Oshiage Station Parking Lot
- Tokyo Skytree Town Parking Lot
- Sumida Aquarium Parking Lot
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. |
