Enchanting Shrine Festival in Nerima
Basic Information
Ichikishima Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Toyotama Kita, Nerima Ward, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the goddess Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto, the goddess of water and wealth.
- Address: 2-17-2 Toyotama Kita, Nerima-ku, Tokyo
- Phone Number: 03-3991-2671
- Access: 7-minute walk from Shin-Egota Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line
- Festival Days: October 17, 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Ichikishima Shrine Festival is held annually on October 17th. The festival features a variety of events and attractions, including:
Mikoshi Procession
The mikoshi procession is the main event of the festival. A mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets by a group of people. The mikoshi is believed to be inhabited by the deity of the shrine, and the procession is a way to show respect to the deity and to ask for blessings.
Shishimai Dance
The shishimai dance is a traditional Japanese dance performed by two people wearing a lion costume. The dance is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.
Kagura
Kagura is a traditional Japanese performing art that combines music, dance, and storytelling. Kagura is often performed at Shinto shrines and festivals, and it is believed to bring good luck and purify the area.
Food Stalls
A variety of food stalls are set up at the festival, selling traditional Japanese festival foods such as takoyaki, yakisoba, and cotton candy.
Games
There are also a variety of games and activities for children at the festival, such as ring toss and goldfish scooping.
Blessings and Deities
Ichikishima Shrine is dedicated to the goddess Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto, the goddess of water and wealth. She is one of the three goddesses of Munakata Taisha in Fukuoka Prefecture, and is also known as Benten-sama, the goddess of good fortune and wealth.
- Blessings: Wealth, good fortune, success in business, safe childbirth, good health
- Deities: Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto (Benten-sama)
Origin and History
The origins of Ichikishima Shrine are unknown, but it is believed to have been founded during the Edo period (1603-1868). The shrine was originally located near a pond, but the pond was filled in during the 1920s and 1930s. The shrine was rebuilt in its current location in 1996.
- Founded: Edo period (1603-1868)
- Original location: Near a pond
- Current location: 2-17-2 Toyotama Kita, Nerima-ku, Tokyo
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to Ichikishima Shrine:
- The shrine is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Admission is free.
- The shrine is a popular spot for weddings and other ceremonies.
- There is a small parking lot available for visitors.
- The shrine is located in a residential area, so please be respectful of the neighbors.
Parking Information
There is a small parking lot available for visitors to Ichikishima Shrine. The parking lot is located behind the shrine, and it can accommodate about 10 cars.
- Location: Behind the shrine
- Capacity: About 10 cars
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. |
