Gleaming lights dance at Tokyo’s Ukishima Shrine festival

Basic Information

Ukishima Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Ome, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the gods Susanoo-no-Mikoto and Ōkuninushi-no-Mikoto.

• Address: 1-130 Imai, Ome, Tokyo 198-0023, Japan
• Phone Number: +81 428-22-2747
• Access: 28-minute walk from JR Ome Line Komae Station
• Festival Days: April 3rd, 2024

Main Events and Attractions of the Festival

The Ukishima Shrine Festival is a vibrant and colorful event that attracts many visitors each year. The main events and attractions of the festival include:

Mikoshi Procession

A mikoshi is a portable Shinto shrine that is carried through the streets during festivals. The Ukishima Shrine mikoshi is a large and elaborate structure that is carried by a team of people. The procession is a lively and energetic event, and it is a great opportunity to see the shrine’s mikoshi up close.

Kagura Performance

Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance that is performed at Shinto shrines. The kagura performance at the Ukishima Shrine Festival is a beautiful and graceful dance that tells the story of the shrine’s founding. The performance is accompanied by traditional Japanese music, and it is a great way to learn about Japanese culture.

Food Stalls

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

Fireworks Display

The Ukishima Shrine Festival concludes with a spectacular fireworks display. The fireworks are launched from a nearby river, and they light up the night sky with their brilliant colors. The fireworks display is a great way to end the festival and to celebrate the coming of spring.

Blessings and Deities

Ukishima Shrine is dedicated to the gods Susanoo-no-Mikoto and Ōkuninushi-no-Mikoto. Susanoo-no-Mikoto is the god of storms, seas, and agriculture, while Ōkuninushi-no-Mikoto is the god of marriage,縁結び (enmusubi), and good fortune. Visitors to the shrine pray for blessings such as good luck, a successful marriage, and a bountiful harvest.

Origin and History

The origins of Ukishima Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the Heian period (794-1185). The shrine was originally located on a small island in the middle of the Tama River, but it was moved to its current location in 1640. The shrine has been rebuilt several times over the centuries, most recently in 1970.

Tips and Notes for Visitors

• The Ukishima Shrine Festival is held annually on April 3rd. The festival features a mikoshi procession, a kagura performance, food stalls, and a fireworks display.
• The shrine is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission is free.
• The shrine is located a 28-minute walk from JR Ome Line Komae Station.
• There is a small parking lot available for visitors.

Parking Information

There is a small parking lot available for visitors to Ukishima Shrine. The parking lot is located next to 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