Divine illumination at Kozushima’s grand summer festival

Basic Information

Monoiminanomikoto Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Kozushima Village, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the deity Monoiminanomikoto, the eldest son of Kotosironushi no Mikoto and Awanome no Mikoto, and is considered the founder of Kozushima.

• Address: 41 Kozushima Village, Tokyo 100-0601
• Phone Number: 04992-8-0015
• Access: 3-minute walk from Kozushima Port
• Festival Days: August 1st (Fri) and 2nd (Sat), 2024

Main Events and Attractions of the Festival

The Monoiminanomikoto Shrine Festival is a two-day festival held annually on August 1st and 2nd. The festival features various events and attractions, including:

Children’s Mikoshi Procession

On the first day of the festival, children carry three mikoshi (portable shrines) and a dashi (float) through the village. This is a lively and colorful procession that is enjoyed by people of all ages.

O-Mikoshi Purification Ceremony

On the second day of the festival, the mikoshi are taken to the beach at Maedomari, where they are purified in the sea. This is a solemn and sacred ceremony that is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the village.

Katsuo-tsuri Shinji (Tuna Fishing Ritual)

Also on the second day of the festival, the Katsuo-tsuri Shinji (Tuna Fishing Ritual) is held. This is a unique and exciting event in which fishermen compete to catch a tuna using traditional fishing methods. The fisherman who catches the largest tuna is declared the winner and is awarded a prize.

Bon Odori Dance

In the evening, a Bon Odori dance is held at the festival grounds. This is a traditional Japanese folk dance that is performed to honor the spirits of the dead. Visitors are welcome to join in the dance and experience this unique Japanese tradition.

Food and Games

Throughout the festival, there are also a variety of food stalls and games available. Visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese festival foods such as yakisoba (fried noodles), takoyaki (octopus balls), and kakigori (shaved ice). There are also games such as ring toss and goldfish scooping for children to enjoy.

Blessings and Deities

Monoiminanomikoto Shrine is dedicated to the deity Monoiminanomikoto, the eldest son of Kotosironushi no Mikoto and Awanome no Mikoto. Monoiminanomikoto is considered the founder of Kozushima and is revered as a god of agriculture, fishing, navigation, brewing, and prosperity.

• Deity: Monoiminanomikoto
• Blessings: Agriculture, fishing, navigation, brewing, prosperity

Origin and History

The exact date of Monoiminanomikoto Shrine’s establishment is unknown, but it is believed to have existed since the Kamakura period (1185-1333). The shrine was originally located on the coast, but it was moved to its current location in the 17th century.

• Established: Kamakura period (1185-1333)
• Original location: Coast of Kozushima
• Current location: 41 Kozushima Village, Tokyo 100-0601

Tips and Notes for Visitors

Here are some tips and notes for visitors to Monoiminanomikoto Shrine:

• The shrine is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Admission is free.
• The shrine’s annual festival is held on August 1st and 2nd. During the festival, there is a children’s mikoshi procession, an o-mikoshi purification ceremony, a katsuo-tsuri shinji (tuna fishing ritual), a Bon Odori dance, and various food and game stalls.
• There is a small parking lot available at the shrine.

Parking Information

There is a small parking lot available at Monoiminanomikoto Shrine. However, it is limited to a few cars. If the parking lot is full, visitors can park at the nearby Kozushima Village Hall parking lot.

• Parking lot: Available at the shrine (limited spaces)
• Alternative parking: Kozushima Village Hall parking lot

Popular Stalls and Food Carts in Recent Years