Enchanting lanterns illuminate Fukagawa’s summer nights

Basic Information

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

• Address: 1-3-17, Morishita, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0004
• Phone Number: 03-3631-5548
• Access: 2-minute walk from Exit A7 of Morishita Station on the Toei Shinjuku Line and Toei Oedo Line
• Festival Days: August 16th (Fri) to 18th (Sun), 2024 (Reiwa 6)

Main Events and Attractions of the Festival

Fukagawa Shinmeigu Shrine’s annual summer festival is a lively and colorful event that attracts many visitors each year. The festival features a variety of traditional Japanese entertainment and activities, including:

Mikoshi Procession

One of the main highlights of the festival is the mikoshi procession, where a portable shrine is carried through the streets of Fukagawa by local residents. The mikoshi is decorated with elaborate carvings and ornaments, and it is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the community.

Bon Odori Dance

Another popular attraction is the bon odori dance, a traditional Japanese folk dance that is performed during Obon, the Japanese summer festival of the dead. Visitors can join in the dancing or simply enjoy watching the colorful and energetic performances.

Food Stalls

No Japanese festival is complete without food stalls, and Fukagawa Shinmeigu Shrine’s summer festival is no exception. Visitors can enjoy a variety of delicious Japanese dishes, including yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), takoyaki (octopus balls), and kakigori (shaved ice with syrup). There are also many stalls selling souvenirs and traditional Japanese crafts.

Fireworks Display

The festival culminates in a spectacular fireworks display over the Sumida River. The fireworks are launched from a barge in the river, and they light up the night sky with their brilliant colors and patterns.

• Mikoshi Procession: A portable shrine is carried through the streets of Fukagawa by local residents, bringing good luck and prosperity to the community.
• Bon Odori Dance: Visitors can join in the dancing or simply enjoy watching the colorful and energetic performances of this traditional Japanese folk dance.
• Food Stalls: A variety of delicious Japanese dishes are available, including yakitori, takoyaki, and kakigori, as well as souvenirs and traditional Japanese crafts.
• Fireworks Display: The festival culminates in a spectacular fireworks display over the Sumida River, lighting up the night sky with brilliant colors and patterns.

Blessings and Deities

Fukagawa Shinmeigu 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 the sun, light, and life, and is believed to bring blessings of good health, prosperity, and happiness.

• Amaterasu Omikami: The sun goddess and the legendary ancestor of the Imperial Family of Japan. She is revered as the deity of the sun, light, and life, and is believed to bring blessings of good health, prosperity, and happiness.

Origin and History

Fukagawa Shinmeigu Shrine was founded in 1659 by Fukagawa Hachiroemon, a wealthy merchant who was granted the land by the Tokugawa shogunate. The shrine was originally a small shrine dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and fertility. However, in 1868, the shrine was rebuilt and dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess. The shrine has been a popular place of worship for local residents ever since.

• Founded in 1659 by Fukagawa Hachiroemon, a wealthy merchant granted the land by the Tokugawa shogunate.
• Originally a small shrine dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and fertility.
• Rebuilt and dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess, in 1868.

Tips and Notes for Visitors

Here are some tips and notes for visitors to Fukagawa Shinmeigu Shrine:

• The shrine is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Admission is free.
• The shrine is a popular place for weddings and other ceremonies, so it is best to avoid visiting during these times.
• There is a small parking lot available for visitors.
• The shrine is located a short walk from Morishita Station on the Toei Shinjuku Line and Toei Oedo Line.

Parking Information

There is a small parking lot available for visitors to Fukagawa Shinmeigu Shrine. The parking lot is located behind the shrine, and it can accommodate about 20 cars. The parking fee is 500 yen per day.

• Location: Behind the shrine
• Capacity: About 20 cars
• Fee: 500 yen per day

Popular Stalls and Food Carts in Recent Years