猿田彦 Shrine: A Divine Gateway to Harmony and Prosperity

Basic Information

Sarutahiko Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Higashi-Nippori, Arakawa, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the god Sarutahiko Ōkami, who is revered as a deity of guidance, crossroads, and prosperity.

• Address: 3-8-10 Higashi-Nippori, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo 116-0014
• Phone Number: 03-3801-0006
• Access: 8-minute walk from Arakawa-kuyakusho-mae Station on the Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line), 9-minute walk from Mikawashima Station on the Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line), 9-minute walk from Arakawa-itchuumae Station on the JR Joban Line
• Festival Days: September 1st (Sun), 2024

Main Events and Attractions of the Festival

The Sarutahiko Shrine Festival is an annual event that attracts many visitors to Arakawa, Tokyo. The festival is held on September 1st and features a variety of events and attractions, including:

Mikoshi Procession

One of the main 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 Sarutahiko Shrine mikoshi is particularly large and impressive, and it is carried by a team of over 100 people.

Kagura Performance

Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance and music performance that is often performed at Shinto shrines. During the Sarutahiko Shrine Festival, kagura is performed by a group of young women who are dressed in traditional costumes. The performance is both beautiful and awe-inspiring, and it is a great way to learn more about Japanese culture.

Food Stalls

No Japanese festival is complete without food stalls! At the Sarutahiko Shrine Festival, there will be a variety of food stalls selling everything from traditional Japanese dishes to modern festival favorites. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and takoyaki (octopus balls).

Games and Activities

In addition to the mikoshi procession, kagura performance, and food stalls, the Sarutahiko Shrine Festival also features a variety of games and activities for people of all ages. These include traditional Japanese games like ring toss and goldfish scooping, as well as more modern games like face painting and balloon animals.

Fireworks Display

The Sarutahiko Shrine Festival concludes with a spectacular fireworks display. The fireworks are launched from a nearby park, and they can be seen from all over Arakawa. The fireworks display is a beautiful and fitting end to a wonderful festival.

Blessings and Deities

Sarutahiko Ōkami, the deity enshrined at Sarutahiko Shrine, is revered as a god of guidance, crossroads, and prosperity. He is often depicted as an old man with a long white beard and a walking stick. Sarutahiko Ōkami is said to have guided the god Ninigi-no-Mikoto to Japan, and he is also credited with teaching humans the art of agriculture.

• Deity Enshrined: Sarutahiko Ōkami
• Benefits and Blessings:
• Guidance and protection on journeys
• Success in business and agriculture
• Good luck in relationships and marriage

Origin and History

The origins of Sarutahiko Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded during the Heian period (794-1185). The shrine was originally located in a different part of Arakawa, but it was moved to its current location in 1657.

• Founded: Heian period (794-1185)
• Relocated: 1657

Tips and Notes for Visitors

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

• The festival is held on September 1st every year.
• The festival is free to attend.
• The festival is very popular, so it is recommended to arrive early to avoid crowds.
• There will be a variety of food stalls and games at the festival.
• The festival concludes with a fireworks display.

Parking Information

There is no parking lot at Sarutahiko Shrine. However, there are several coin-operated parking lots nearby.

• Coin-operated parking lots are available nearby.
• Parking fees may vary.

Popular Stalls and Food Carts in Recent Years