Gleaming lights dance at Tokyo’s summer festival
Basic Information
Nakasone Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Honki, Adachi Ward, Tokyo, Japan.
- Address: 2-5-7 Honki, Adachi-ku, Tokyo 123-0853
- Phone Number: 03-3880-5381
- Access: 17-minute walk from Nishiarai Station on the Tobu Skytree Line
- Festival Days: September 19th, 20th, 21st, 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Nakasone 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
One of the highlights of the festival is the mikoshi procession, where a portable shrine is carried through the streets by local residents. The mikoshi is decorated with colorful tapestries and streamers, and it is accompanied by music and dancing.
Bon Odori Dance
Another popular attraction is the bon odori dance, a traditional Japanese folk dance. Visitors of all ages can join in the dancing, which is accompanied by live music and singing.
Food Stalls
The festival also features a variety of food stalls, where visitors can enjoy a wide range of Japanese dishes, from traditional favorites like yakitori and takoyaki to more modern fare like crepes and popcorn.
Games and Activities
There are also a number of games and activities for children, such as face painting, balloon animals, and a petting zoo. The festival is a great opportunity for families to spend time together and enjoy the summer weather.
Fireworks Display
The festival concludes with a spectacular fireworks display, which lights up the night sky over Nakasone Shrine. The fireworks are synchronized to music, creating a truly magical experience.
Blessings and Deities
Nakasone Shrine is dedicated to the deity Oyamakui-no-Kami, who is associated with agriculture, industry, and good fortune. The shrine is also believed to provide blessings for traffic safety and縁結び (enmusubi), or matchmaking.
Origin and History
The origins of Nakasone Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the 16th century. The shrine was originally located in a different part of Adachi Ward, but it was moved to its current location in 1935.
Tips and Notes for Visitors
- The Nakasone Shrine Festival is held annually on September 19th, 20th, and 21st.
- The festival features a variety of events and attractions, including a mikoshi procession, bon odori dance, food stalls, games, and activities for children.
- The festival is a popular event, so it is advisable to arrive early to avoid crowds.
- There is a parking lot available for visitors to the shrine.
Parking Information
There is a parking lot available for visitors to Nakasone Shrine. The parking lot is located a short walk from the shrine.
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. |
