Gleaming lights dance at Tenso Shrine’s summer festival
Basic Information
I’ll write an overview of Tenso Shrine.
- Address: 4-13 Chuo, Nakano-ku, Tokyo
- Phone Number: 03-3381-7629
- Access: 6-minute walk from Numabukuro Station
- Festival Days: June 6th, 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Tenso Shrine Festival is a lively and colorful event that attracts many visitors each year. Here are some of the main events and attractions of the festival:
Mikoshi Procession
The highlight of the festival is the mikoshi procession, where a portable shrine is carried through the streets of Nakano. The mikoshi is decorated with colorful tapestries and streamers, and it is carried by a team of people. The procession is accompanied by music and dancing, and it creates a festive atmosphere.
Kagura Dance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance that is often performed at festivals. At the Tenso Shrine Festival, kagura is performed by a group of young women who wear colorful costumes. The dance is graceful and elegant, and it tells stories from Japanese mythology.
Taiko Drumming
Taiko drumming is a popular form of Japanese music that is often performed at festivals. At the Tenso Shrine Festival, taiko drumming is performed by a group of skilled drummers. The drumming is powerful and energetic, and it gets the crowd excited.
Food Stalls
There are many food stalls at the Tenso Shrine Festival, selling a variety of delicious Japanese food. Some of the most popular foods include yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), takoyaki (octopus balls), and taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes filled with sweet bean paste).
Games and Activities
There are also a number of games and activities for children at the Tenso Shrine Festival. These include things like ring toss, beanbag toss, and face painting. There is also a petting zoo, where children can interact with animals such as rabbits and goats.
Blessings and Deities
The Tenso Shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess and the most important deity in the Shinto religion. Amaterasu Omikami is said to be the ancestor of the Japanese imperial family, and she is revered as a symbol of light, warmth, and life. The shrine also enshrines Inari Okami, the god of rice and agriculture, and Sugawara Michizane, the god of learning and scholarship.
- Amaterasu Omikami: Sun goddess and most important deity in Shinto
- Inari Okami: God of rice and agriculture
- Sugawara Michizane: God of learning and scholarship
Origin and History
The exact origins of the Tenso Shrine are unknown, but it is believed to have been founded in the early 17th century. The shrine was originally located in a different part of Nakano, but it was moved to its current location in 1872. The shrine was destroyed by fire in 1945, but it was rebuilt in 1951.
- Founded: Early 17th century
- Moved to current location: 1872
- Destroyed by fire: 1945
- Rebuilt: 1951
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to the Tenso Shrine:
- The shrine is open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Admission is free.
- There is a small parking lot available for visitors.
- The shrine is a popular spot for weddings and other ceremonies, so it is best to avoid visiting during these times.
- There are several restaurants and shops in the area surrounding the shrine.
Parking Information
There is a small parking lot available for visitors to the Tenso Shrine. The parking lot is located behind the shrine, and it can accommodate about 20 cars. The parking fee is 500 yen per day.
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. |