Shinjuku’s Shrine of the Setting Sun

Basic Information

Nishimuite Tenjin Shrine is located in Shinjuku, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo. It is a village shrine in the modern shrine ranking system.

• Address: 6-21-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022
• Phone Number: 03-3351-5875
• Access: 6-minute walk from Toei Oedo Line Higashi-Shinjuku Station, 3-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station
• Festival Days: May 25th (Sat), 2024 (Reiwa 6)

Main Events and Attractions of the Festival

The Nishimuite Tenjin Shrine Festival is an annual event that takes place on May 25th. The festival features a variety of events and attractions, including:

Mikoshi Procession

A mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets during festivals. The Nishimuite Tenjin Shrine mikoshi is a large and elaborate structure that is carried by a team of people. The procession is a lively and colorful event that draws many spectators.

Kagura Performance

Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance and music performance that is often performed at festivals. The Nishimuite Tenjin Shrine kagura performance is a beautiful and graceful dance that tells the story of the shrine’s founding.

Food Stalls

A variety of food stalls are set up at the festival, selling a variety of Japanese dishes. Some of the most popular dishes include yakisoba (fried noodles), takoyaki (octopus balls), and taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes filled with sweet bean paste).

Games and Activities

There are also a variety of games and activities for children at the festival. These include ring toss, beanbag toss, and goldfish scooping.

Fireworks Display

The festival concludes with a spectacular fireworks display. The fireworks are launched from a nearby park and can be seen from all over the area.

Blessings and Deities

Nishimuite Tenjin Shrine is dedicated to the following deities:

their studies, business, and other endeavors. They also pray for good luck and protection from harm.

Origin and History

Nishimuite Tenjin Shrine was founded in 1282 by a Buddhist monk named Myoe. Myoe was a follower of the Tendai sect of Buddhism, and he believed that the shrine would be a place where people could come to pray for peace and happiness.

The shrine was originally located in a different part of Shinjuku, but it was moved to its current location in 1600. The shrine was destroyed by fire in 1657, but it was rebuilt in 1661.

Nishimuite Tenjin Shrine has been a popular place of worship for centuries. It is especially popular among students, who come to pray for success in their exams.

Tips and Notes for Visitors

• The shrine is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day.
• Admission is free.
• There is a small parking lot available for visitors.
• The shrine is a popular tourist destination, so it can be crowded at times.
• If you are visiting the shrine during a festival, be sure to check the schedule of events in advance.

Parking Information

There is a small parking lot available for visitors to Nishimuite Tenjin Shrine. The parking lot is located on the north side of the shrine, and it can accommodate about 20 cars.

The parking lot is free of charge, but it is often full during popular times. If you are unable to find a parking space in the shrine’s parking lot, there are several other parking lots located nearby.

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.