Divine palanquin journey around Miyake Island

Basic Information

Miyake-jima’s grand festival held every other year.

• : 5-minute walk from Togajinja-mae bus stop
• Festival Days: November 23 (Thu/Holiday), 2024

Main Events and Attractions of the Festival

The main event of the Togajinja Festival is the Togajinja Mikoshi Tour, where the mikoshi (portable shrine) is carried around the island over six days.

Togajinja Mikoshi Tour

The Togajinja Mikoshi Tour is a six-day event where the mikoshi is carried from the Togajinja Shrine to five other shrines on the island. On each day, the mikoshi is carried to a different shrine, where it stays overnight before continuing its journey the next day. The tour is a solemn and sacred event, and it is a chance for the people of Miyake-jima to come together and celebrate their shared heritage.

• Duration: Six days
• Route: Togajinja Shrine to five other shrines on the island
• Significance: A chance for the people of Miyake-jima to come together and celebrate their shared heritage

Kagura奉納

Kagura is a traditional Japanese performing art that tells stories from Japanese mythology through dance and music. During the Togajinja Festival, kagura is performed at the Togajinja Shrine. The performances are a beautiful and moving way to learn about Japanese culture and history.

• Type: Traditional Japanese performing art
• Content: Tells stories from Japanese mythology through dance and music
• Location: Togajinja Shrine

露店の出店

During the Togajinja Festival, there are many stalls selling food, drinks, and souvenirs. The stalls are a great place to try some of the local specialties of Miyake-jima, such as the island’s famous shochu (Japanese distilled spirit).

• Type: Stalls selling food, drinks, and souvenirs
• Location: Around the Togajinja Shrine
• Significance: A chance to try some of the local specialties of Miyake-jima

Blessings and Deities

Togajinja Shrine is dedicated to three deities: Kotosironushi no Mikoto, Ikonahinohime no Mikoto, and Ametsuwake no Mikoto. Kotosironushi no Mikoto is the god of the sea and is worshipped as the protector of fishermen and sailors. Ikonahinohime no Mikoto is the wife of Kotosironushi no Mikoto and is worshipped as the goddess of women and children. Ametsuwake no Mikoto is the son of Kotosironushi no Mikoto and is worshipped as the god of agriculture.

• Kotosironushi no Mikoto: God of the sea, protector of fishermen and sailors
• Ikonahinohime no Mikoto: Goddess of women and children
• Ametsuwake no Mikoto: God of agriculture

Origin and History

The origins of Togajinja Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the early Heian period (794-1185). The shrine was originally located on the summit of Mount Togajinja, but it was moved to its current location in the 17th century after a volcanic eruption. Togajinja Shrine has been an important religious center on Miyake-jima for centuries, and it is still a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists today.

• Founded: Early Heian period (794-1185)
• Original location: Summit of Mount Togajinja
• Current location: Moved in the 17th century after a volcanic eruption

Tips and Notes for Visitors

If you are planning to visit Togajinja Shrine, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• The shrine is located in a remote area of Miyake-jima, so it is important to plan your transportation in advance.
• The shrine is open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• There is a small admission fee to enter the shrine.
• Photography is not permitted inside the shrine.
• There are several restaurants and shops in the area around the shrine.

Parking Information

There is a small parking lot at Togajinja Shrine. The parking lot is free of charge, but it is often full during peak season. If you are unable to find a parking space at the shrine, there are several other parking lots in the area.

• Location: At Togajinja Shrine
• Fee: Free
• Availability: Often full during peak season
• Alternatives: Other parking lots in the area

Popular Stalls and Food Carts in Recent Years