Enchanting shrine festival with a parade of portable shrines carried by women

Basic Information
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
Blessings and Deities
Origin and History
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Parking Information
Popular Stalls and Food Carts in Recent Years

Basic Information

Suwa Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Tateishi, Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the god Take-minakata-no-kami, the deity of agriculture, water, and sake brewing.

Address: 2-6-6 Tateishi, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo 124-0012
Phone Number: 03-3693-5623
Access: A 1-minute walk from Keisei Tateishi Station
Festival Days: October 27, 2024 (Reiwa 6)

Main Events and Attractions of the Festival

The Suwa Shrine Festival is an annual event that takes place on October 27th. The festival features a variety of events and attractions, including:

Mikoshi Procession

The highlight of the festival is the mikoshi procession. A mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets by a team of people. The Suwa Shrine mikoshi is particularly large and heavy, and it takes a team of over 100 people to carry it. The procession is a lively and colorful event, and it is a great opportunity to experience Japanese culture.

Lion Dance

Another popular attraction at the festival is the lion dance. The lion dance is a traditional Japanese dance that is performed by two people wearing a lion costume. The dance is said to bring good luck and fortune, and it is a popular attraction for both children and adults.

Kagura

Kagura is a traditional Japanese Shinto ritual dance and music. It is performed by shrine maidens, and it is said to bring good luck and fortune. The kagura performance at the Suwa Shrine Festival is a beautiful and moving experience.

Benefits and Deities

The Suwa Shrine Festival is a great opportunity to pray for good luck and fortune. The shrine is dedicated to the god Take-minakata-no-kami, who is the deity of agriculture, water, and sake brewing. People pray to Take-minakata-no-kami for good harvests, good health, and prosperity.

Blessings and Deities

Origin and History

The origins of the Suwa Shrine Festival are unclear, but it is believed to have been held for centuries. The first written record of the festival dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868). The festival was originally held on the 9th month of the lunar calendar, but it was later moved to October 27th.

Tips and Notes for Visitors

If you are planning to attend the Suwa Shrine Festival, here are a few tips and notes:

The festival is very popular, so it is important to arrive early to get a good spot to watch the procession.
The procession route is lined with food stalls, so you can enjoy a variety of Japanese festival foods.
The festival is a great opportunity to experience Japanese culture, so be sure to take some time to explore the shrine and its surroundings.

Parking Information

There is no parking lot at the Suwa Shrine, so visitors are advised to use public transportation or park in 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.