Shrine of the Rising Sun’s Divine Messenger
Basic Information
厳島神社 (Itsukushima Jinja) is a Shinto shrine located in Meguro Ward, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the goddess Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto, the deity of water and fire.
- Address: 6-9-5 碑文谷, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-0064
- Phone Number: N/A
- Access: A 7-minute walk from Gakugei University Station on the Tokyu Toyoko Line
- Festival Days: April 15th every year, and a grand festival every 12 years in the year of the snake
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The 厳島神社 (Itsukushima Jinja) festival is held annually on April 15th, with a grand festival held every 12 years in the year of the snake. The festival features a variety of events and attractions, including:
Mikoshi Procession
The mikoshi procession is the main event of the festival. A mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets by a group of people. The mikoshi of 厳島神社 is carried from the shrine to a nearby park, where it is paraded around before being returned to the shrine.
Lion Dance
A lion dance is also performed during the festival. The lion dance is a traditional Japanese dance that is said to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. The lion dance at the 厳島神社 festival is performed by a group of local children.
Taiko Drumming
Taiko drumming is another popular attraction at the 厳島神社 festival. Taiko drums are large Japanese drums that are played with wooden sticks. The taiko drumming at the festival is performed by a group of local musicians.
Food Stalls
A variety of food stalls are also set up at the festival, selling a variety of Japanese festival foods, such as takoyaki, yakisoba, and cotton candy.
Blessings and Deities
The 厳島神社 (Itsukushima Jinja) is dedicated to the goddess Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto, the deity of water and fire. She is also known as Benzaiten, the goddess of wealth and good fortune. The shrine is said to grant blessings for good luck, prosperity, and success in business.
Origin and History
The exact date of the shrine’s establishment is unknown, but it is believed to have been founded during the Sengoku period (1467-1603). In the Edo period (1603-1868), the shrine was supported by the Kamiya family, who were the local landowners. The current shrine building was constructed in 1848.
Tips and Notes for Visitors
When visiting the 厳島神社, please be sure to follow these tips and notes:
- The shrine is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Admission is free.
- Photography is permitted within the shrine grounds.
- There is a small parking lot available for visitors.
- The shrine is located in a quiet residential area. Please be respectful of the neighbors.
Parking Information
There is a small parking lot available for visitors to the 厳島神社. The parking lot is located behind the shrine building. There is no charge for parking.
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. |
