Gleaming lights, Asahikawa night festival
Basic Information
Asahi Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Minato, Tokyo. It is dedicated to the gods Amaterasu, Izanagi, and Izanami.
- Address: 6-7-14 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0032
- Phone Number: 03-3401-5790
- Access: 5-minute walk from Roppongi Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line or Toei Oedo Line, or a 5-minute walk from Nogizaka Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line
- Festival Days: Fourth Sunday of September
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Asahi Shrine Festival is a lively and colorful event that attracts many visitors each year. The main events and attractions of the festival include:
Mikoshi Procession
The highlight of the festival is the mikoshi procession, which takes place on the fourth Sunday of September. A mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets by a team of people. The Asahi Shrine mikoshi is particularly large and impressive, and it is carried by a team of over 100 people.
Bon Odori Dance
Another popular event at the festival is the bon odori dance. Bon odori is a traditional Japanese folk dance that is performed during the Obon festival, which is a time to honor the spirits of the dead. The bon odori dance at the Asahi Shrine Festival is performed by a group of local dancers, and visitors are also welcome to join in.
Food and Games
The festival also features a variety of food and games. There are stalls selling traditional Japanese festival foods, such as yakitori, takoyaki, and cotton candy. There are also games for children, such as goldfish scooping and ring toss.
Fireworks Display
The festival concludes with a spectacular fireworks display. The fireworks are launched from a barge in the Sumida River, and they light up the night sky with their brilliant colors.
Blessings and Deities
Asahi Shrine is dedicated to the gods Amaterasu, Izanagi, and Izanami. Amaterasu is the goddess of the sun and the most important deity in the Shinto pantheon. Izanagi and Izanami are the creator gods who gave birth to the Japanese islands and many other deities.
- Amaterasu: Goddess of the sun and the most important deity in Shinto
- Izanagi and Izanami: Creator gods who gave birth to the Japanese islands and many other deities
Origin and History
The origins of Asahi Shrine are unknown, but it is believed to have been founded in the early Heian period (794-1185). The shrine was originally located in the Azabu district of Edo (present-day Tokyo), but it was moved to its current location in Roppongi in 1603.
- Founded in the early Heian period (794-1185)
- Originally located in the Azabu district of Edo
- Moved to its current location in Roppongi in 1603
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to the Asahi Shrine Festival:
- The festival is held on the fourth Sunday of September each year.
- The festival is very popular, so it is important to arrive early to avoid crowds.
- There are a variety of food and games available at the festival.
- The festival concludes with a spectacular fireworks display.
Parking Information
There is no parking lot at Asahi Shrine. However, there are several public parking lots nearby.
- Roppongi Hills Mori Tower Parking Lot
- Tokyo Midtown Parking Lot
- Akasaka Excel Hotel Tokyu 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. |