Gleaming lanterns and lively spirits at Futamata Shrine

Basic Information

Futamata Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Edogawa Ward, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the gods Susanoo-no-Mikoto and Kushinada-hime-no-Mikoto.

• Address: 6-44-1 Edogawa, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo 132-0031
• Phone Number: 03-3657-3271
• Access: A 15-minute walk from Shinozaki Station on the Toei Shinjuku Line
• Festival Days: July 29th (Sat) and July 30th (Sun), 2024

Main Events and Attractions of the Festival

The Futamata Shrine Summer 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. A mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets by a group of people. The Futamata Shrine mikoshi is particularly large and impressive, and it is carried by a team of over 100 people. The procession takes place on both days of the festival, and it is a sight to behold.

Bon Odori Dance

Another popular attraction of the festival is the bon odori dance. Bon odori is a traditional Japanese folk dance that is performed during the Obon festival, which is a time to honor the spirits of the dead. The Futamata Shrine Summer Festival features a large bon odori dance circle, and visitors are encouraged to join in and dance along.

Food and Games

The festival also features a variety of food and game stalls. Visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese festival foods such as yakisoba, takoyaki, and cotton candy. There are also a variety of games to play, such as goldfish scooping and ring toss.

Fireworks Display

The festival concludes with a spectacular fireworks display on the evening of the second day. The fireworks are launched from a barge in the Edogawa River, and they light up the night sky with their vibrant colors.

Blessings and Deities

Futamata Shrine is dedicated to the gods Susanoo-no-Mikoto and Kushinada-hime-no-Mikoto. Susanoo-no-Mikoto is the god of storms, seas, and agriculture, while Kushinada-hime-no-Mikoto is the goddess of fertility and marriage. The shrine is said to bring blessings for good luck, prosperity, and marital harmony.

Origin and History

The origins of Futamata Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the 12th century. The shrine was originally located in a different part of Edogawa Ward, but it was moved to its current location in 1657. The shrine has been rebuilt several times over the years, most recently in 1935.

Tips and Notes for Visitors

Here are some tips and notes for visitors to the Futamata Shrine Summer Festival:

• The festival is held on July 29th and 30th, 2024.
• The festival is open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM on both days.
• Admission to the festival is free.
• The festival is very popular, so it is recommended to arrive early to avoid crowds.
• There are a variety of food and game stalls at the festival, so visitors can enjoy a variety of Japanese festival foods and games.
• The festival concludes with a spectacular fireworks display on the evening of the second day.

Parking Information

There is no parking lot at Futamata Shrine. However, there are several coin-operated parking lots in the area. Visitors can also park at the nearby Edogawa Ward Office parking lot.

Popular Stalls and Food Carts in Recent Years