Enchanting lights dance at Tenso Shrine

Basic Information

Tenso Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess and the legendary ancestor of the Imperial Family of Japan.

• Address: 4-33-2 Kyodo, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-0052
• Phone Number: 03-3420-2674
• Access: 10-minute walk from Chitose-Funabashi Station on the Odakyu Line
• Festival Days: October 1st (Sat) and 2nd (Sun), 2024

Main Events and Attractions of the Festival

The Tenso Shrine Festival is a two-day annual event held on October 1st and 2nd. It features various traditional Japanese performances and activities, attracting many visitors from the local community and beyond.

Kagura Dance

Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance performed by shrine maidens (miko) to Shinto music. It is believed to bring good luck and purification to the participants and spectators. During the Tenso Shrine Festival, Kagura is performed on both days of the festival.

Mikoshi Procession

A mikoshi is a portable Shinto shrine that is carried through the streets during festivals. The Tenso Shrine Festival features a mikoshi procession on the second day of the festival. The mikoshi is carried by local residents and accompanied by music and dancing.

Food Stalls

During the festival, various food stalls are set up around the shrine grounds. These stalls sell a variety of Japanese festival foods, such as yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), takoyaki (octopus balls), and taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes filled with sweet red bean paste).

Games and Activities

The festival also features a variety of games and activities for children and adults alike. These include traditional Japanese games such as ring toss and goldfish scooping, as well as more modern games such as face painting and balloon art.

Blessings and Deities

Tenso Shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess and the legendary ancestor of the Imperial Family of Japan. Amaterasu Omikami is revered as the deity of light, warmth, and life. She is also associated with fertility, agriculture, and prosperity.

• Blessings: Visitors to Tenso Shrine pray for blessings such as good health, prosperity, and success in their endeavors.
• Deities: In addition to Amaterasu Omikami, Tenso Shrine also enshrines two other deities: Inari Okami, the god of rice and fertility, and Tenjin, the god of scholarship and learning.

Origin and History

The origins of Tenso Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the 16th century. The shrine was originally located in a different part of Setagaya Ward, but it was moved to its current location in 1934.

• Establishment: The exact date of Tenso Shrine’s establishment is unknown, but it is believed to have been founded sometime in the 16th century.
• Relocation: In 1934, Tenso Shrine was moved from its original location to its current location in Setagaya Ward.

Tips and Notes for Visitors

Here are some tips and notes for visitors to Tenso Shrine:

• Hours: Tenso Shrine is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Admission: Admission to Tenso Shrine is free.
• Dress Code: There is no specific dress code for visiting Tenso Shrine, but visitors are expected to dress respectfully.
• Photography: Photography is permitted at Tenso Shrine, but visitors are asked to refrain from taking photos of the shrine’s honden (main building).
• Festivals: Tenso Shrine holds two annual festivals: the Tenso Shrine Festival in October and the Setsubun Festival in February.

Parking Information

There is no parking lot at Tenso Shrine, but there are several public parking lots nearby.

• Setagaya Public Parking Lot: This parking lot is located a 5-minute walk from Tenso Shrine. It has a capacity of 100 cars.
• Kyodo Public Parking Lot: This parking lot is located a 7-minute walk from Tenso Shrine. It has a capacity of 50 cars.

Popular Stalls and Food Carts in Recent Years