Gleaming lanterns illuminate the summer night
Basic Information
Suijin Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, Japan.
- Address: 2-33-4 Okudo, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 13-minute walk from Keisei Line Aoto Station
- Festival Days: July 22nd, 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Suijin Shrine Festival is a summer festival held annually on July 22nd. It is also known as the Suijin Shrine Grand Festival, where locals and visitors gather to pray for a bountiful harvest and family safety.
Mikoshi Procession
The main event of the festival is the Mikoshi Procession, where a portable shrine is carried through the streets surrounding the shrine. The Mikoshi is believed to carry the spirit of the enshrined deity, and participants believe that following the procession will bring good luck and protection.
- Overview: A parade of a portable shrine carrying the deity
- Purpose: To pray for good luck and protection
- Route: Carried through the streets surrounding the shrine
Shishimai (Lion Dance)
The Shishimai, or lion dance, is a traditional Japanese performing art often seen at festivals and celebrations. Performers wear colorful lion costumes and dance to the rhythm of drums and flutes. The lion dance is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.
- Overview: A traditional Japanese dance performed by people wearing lion costumes
- Purpose: To bring good luck and ward off evil spirits
- Performance: Dancers move to the rhythm of drums and flutes
Yatai (Food Stalls)
During the festival, various food stalls line the streets around the shrine. These stalls sell a variety of Japanese festival foods, such as takoyaki (octopus balls), yakisoba (fried noodles), and cotton candy. Visitors can enjoy these delicious treats while experiencing the lively festival atmosphere.
- Overview: Food stalls selling various Japanese festival foods
- Location: Streets around the shrine
- Popular Foods: Takoyaki, yakisoba, cotton candy, and more
Blessings and Deities
Suijin Shrine is dedicated to Suijin, the Shinto deity of water. Suijin is believed to control all aspects of water, including rain, rivers, lakes, and oceans. People pray to Suijin for good harvests, safe travels on water, and protection from floods and droughts.
- Main Deity: Suijin (Shinto deity of water)
- Domains: Rain, rivers, lakes, oceans
- Worshippers’ Petitions: Good harvests, safe travels on water, protection from floods and droughts
Origin and History
The exact origins of Suijin Shrine are unknown, but it is believed to have been established during the Edo period (1603-1868). The shrine was originally located on the banks of the Nakagawa River, but it was moved to its current location in 1922 due to river improvement work.
- Establishment Period: Edo period (1603-1868)
- Original Location: Banks of the Nakagawa River
- Reason for Relocation: River improvement work
- Current Location: 2-33-4 Okudo, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo
Tips and Notes for Visitors
If you plan to visit Suijin Shrine during the festival, here are a few tips and notes to keep in mind:
- Respectful Behavior: Remember to maintain respectful behavior while visiting the shrine. This includes avoiding loud noises and refraining from touching or leaning against sacred objects.
- Appropriate Attire: While there is no strict dress code, it is generally considered respectful to dress modestly when visiting a Shinto shrine.
- Photography: Photography is generally allowed within the shrine grounds, but it is important to be mindful of other visitors and avoid taking pictures that may disturb them.
- Offerings: If you wish to make an offering to the shrine, there are designated areas where you can place your offerings.
Parking Information
There is no dedicated parking lot for Suijin Shrine. However, there are several coin-operated parking lots in the surrounding area. Please be prepared to pay for parking if you are driving to the shrine.
- Dedicated Parking Lot: None
- Nearby Parking Options: Coin-operated parking lots
- Parking Fees: Vary depending on the 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. |
