Enchanting lights dance at Okyo Shrine Festival

Basic Information

Okyo Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the deity of fire, Kagutsuchi-no-Kami, and the deity of food, Ukanomitama-no-Kami.

• Address: 6 Daikyocho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
• Phone Number: 03-3351-1551
• Access: 5-minute walk from Yotsuya-sanchome Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line
• Festival Days: June 4th, 2024

Main Events and Attractions of the Festival

The Okyo 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

The mikoshi procession is the highlight of the Okyo Shrine Festival. A mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets by a group of people. The mikoshi of Okyo Shrine is particularly large and impressive, and it is carried by a team of over 100 people. The procession winds its way through the streets of Shinjuku Ward, accompanied by music and dancing.

Lion Dance

The lion dance is another popular attraction at the Okyo Shrine Festival. The lion dance is performed by a team of dancers who wear colorful lion costumes. The dancers perform a series of acrobatic stunts and movements, to the beat of drums and gongs. The lion dance is said to bring good luck and fortune to those who watch it.

Kagura

Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance that is performed at Shinto shrines. The kagura at the Okyo Shrine Festival is performed by a group of young women who wear white robes and headdresses. The dancers perform a series of graceful and elegant movements, to the accompaniment of music and singing. Kagura is said to bring peace and prosperity to the community.

Food Stalls

There are many food stalls at the Okyo Shrine Festival, selling a variety of delicious Japanese foods. Some of the most popular foods include takoyaki (octopus balls), yakisoba (fried noodles), and taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes filled with sweet bean paste). There are also many stalls selling souvenirs and crafts.

Blessings and Deities

Okyo Shrine is dedicated to the deity of fire, Kagutsuchi-no-Kami, and the deity of food, Ukanomitama-no-Kami. Kagutsuchi-no-Kami is said to be the god of fire, metalworking, and purification, while Ukanomitama-no-Kami is the goddess of food, agriculture, and fertility. Worshipping these deities is believed to bring blessings such as protection from fire and accidents, success in business, and a bountiful harvest.

Origin and History

The exact date of Okyo Shrine’s establishment is unknown, but it is believed to have been founded during the Edo period (1603-1868). The shrine was originally a small shrine located within the grounds of the Okyo family, a prominent family in the area. In 1872, the shrine was moved to its current location and became a public shrine. Over the years, Okyo Shrine has undergone several renovations and expansions, and it is now a popular destination for worshippers and tourists alike.

Tips and Notes for Visitors

When visiting Okyo Shrine, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• The shrine is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Admission is free.
• Photography is permitted within the shrine grounds, but please be respectful of other visitors and avoid taking pictures during ceremonies or rituals.
• There is a small gift shop on the shrine grounds where you can purchase souvenirs and amulets.
• The shrine is located in a quiet residential area. Please be respectful of the neighbors and keep your voice down.

Parking Information

There is no parking lot at Okyo Shrine. However, there are several public parking lots located nearby. The closest parking lot is the Shinjuku Ward Yotsuya Parking Lot, which is located a 5-minute walk from the shrine.

Popular Stalls and Food Carts in Recent Years