Enchanting lights illuminate the night
Basic Information
Kitano Shrine is a shrine located in Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, a Heian period scholar and politician.
- Address: 75-13 Tenjincho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-0817
- Phone Number: 03-3260-5071
- Access: 6-minute walk from Kagurazaka Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line
- Festival Days: May 25th, 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Kitano Shrine Festival is an annual event that takes place on May 25th. It is a lively and colorful festival that attracts many visitors from all over Tokyo.
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 mikoshi of Kitano Shrine is particularly large and impressive, and it is carried by a team of over 100 people.
Kagura Performance
Another popular attraction of the festival is the kagura performance. Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance that is performed to Shinto music. The kagura performance at Kitano Shrine is very elaborate and beautiful, and it is a great opportunity to see this traditional art form.
Food Stalls
There are also many food stalls at the festival, selling a variety of delicious Japanese food. Some of the most popular items include yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), takoyaki (octopus balls), and taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes filled with sweet bean paste).
Games and Activities
In addition to the mikoshi procession, kagura performance, and food stalls, there are also a number of games and activities for children at the festival. These include things like goldfish scooping, ring toss, and face painting.
Blessings and Deities
Kitano Shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, a Heian period scholar and politician. Sugawara no Michizane is also known as Tenjin, and he is revered as the god of scholarship and learning. Students and parents often visit Kitano Shrine to pray for success in exams.
- Deity: Sugawara no Michizane (Tenjin)
- Blessings: Scholarship, learning, success in exams
Origin and History
The origins of Kitano Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the 13th century. The shrine was originally located in the Yotsuya district of Tokyo, but it was moved to its current location in Shinjuku-ku in 1603.
- Founded: 13th century
- Original location: Yotsuya district, Tokyo
- Current location: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to Kitano Shrine:
- The shrine is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day.
- Admission is free.
- The festival is held on May 25th every year.
- The shrine is a popular spot for weddings and other ceremonies.
- There is a small gift shop on the shrine grounds.
Parking Information
There is no parking lot at Kitano Shrine. However, there are several coin-operated parking lots nearby.
- There is no parking lot at Kitano Shrine.
- There are several coin-operated parking lots nearby.
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. |
