Enchanting Shrine Festival in Ome
Basic Information
Kumano Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Morishita-cho, Ome City, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the deities Izanami-no-Mikoto, Hayatama-no-O-no-Mikoto, and Koto-no-Saka-O-no-Mikoto.
- Address: 556 Morishita-cho, Ome-shi, Tokyo 198-0083, Japan
- Phone Number: +81 428-22-0005
- Access: Take the Seibu Ikebukuro Line to Ome Station, then transfer to the Nishi Tokyo Bus bound for Morishita. Get off at the Morishita bus stop and walk for 3 minutes.
- Festival Days: September 15th (Reiwa 6)
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Kumano Shrine Morishita-cho Ome Festival is a vibrant and lively 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, where a portable shrine is carried through the streets of Morishita-cho. The mikoshi is decorated with colorful tapestries and streamers, and it is carried by a team of people. The procession is accompanied by music and dancing, and it creates a festive atmosphere.
Kagura Performance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance and music performance that is often performed at Shinto shrines. During the Kumano Shrine Morishita-cho Ome Festival, kagura performances are held on a special stage. The performances are very colorful and visually appealing, and they tell stories from Japanese mythology.
Food Stalls
No Japanese festival is complete without food stalls! At the Kumano Shrine Morishita-cho Ome Festival, there are many food stalls selling a variety of delicious Japanese foods, such as takoyaki, yakisoba, and okonomiyaki. There are also stalls selling souvenirs and crafts.
Fireworks Display
The festival concludes with a spectacular fireworks display. The fireworks are launched from a nearby hill, and they light up the night sky with their vibrant colors. The fireworks display is a fitting end to a wonderful festival.
Blessings and Deities
Kumano Shrine is dedicated to the three deities of Izanami-no-Mikoto, Hayatama-no-O-no-Mikoto, and Koto-no-Saka-O-no-Mikoto. These deities are associated with various aspects of life, including creation, fertility, and protection.
- Izanami-no-Mikoto: Goddess of creation and life
- Hayatama-no-O-no-Mikoto: God of wind and thunder
- Koto-no-Saka-O-no-Mikoto: God of music and performing arts
Origin and History
The origins of Kumano Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded during the Kamakura period (1185-1333). The shrine was originally located in a different part of Ome City, but it was moved to its current location in Morishita-cho in 1648.
- Founded: Kamakura period (1185-1333)
- Moved to current location: 1648
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to the Kumano Shrine Morishita-cho Ome Festival:
- The festival is held on September 15th every year.
- The festival is very popular, so it is important to arrive early to avoid crowds.
- There are many food stalls at the festival, so you can enjoy a variety of Japanese foods.
- The festival is a great opportunity to learn about Japanese culture and traditions.
Parking Information
There is limited parking available at the Kumano Shrine. Visitors are encouraged to use public transportation or park at a nearby parking lot and walk to the shrine.
- Limited parking available at the shrine
- Use public transportation or park at a nearby 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. |