Enchanting shrine festival in Tokyo, a fusion of tradition and vibrant culture
Basic Information
Motomishima Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the Nezu neighborhood of Taitō, Tokyo, Japan.
- Address: 1-7-11 Nezu, Taitō-ku, Tokyo 110-0003
- Phone Number: 03-3873-4976
- Access: 1-minute walk from Uguisudani Station on the JR Yamanote Line and Keihin-Tōhoku Line
- Festival Days: May 13th (Mon) and 14th (Tue), 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Motomishima Shrine Festival is a lively and colorful event that attracts many visitors each year. The main events and attractions of the festival include:
Mikoshi Procession
One of the highlights of the festival is the mikoshi procession. On the second Saturday and Sunday of May, portable shrines called mikoshi are carried through the streets of Nezu by teams of people. The mikoshi are decorated with colorful tapestries and streamers, and they are accompanied by music and dancing.
Kagura Performance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese performing art that combines music, dance, and storytelling. During the Motomishima Shrine Festival, kagura performances are held at the shrine’s main hall. The performances tell stories from Japanese mythology and folklore, and they are a beautiful and captivating sight to behold.
Food Stalls
No Japanese festival is complete without food stalls! At the Motomishima Shrine Festival, there are many stalls selling a variety of delicious foods, including yakitori, takoyaki, and okonomiyaki. There are also stalls selling souvenirs and crafts.
Bon Odori Dance
On the evening of the second Saturday of May, a bon odori dance is held at the shrine. Bon odori is a traditional Japanese folk dance that is performed during the Obon festival. The dance is simple and easy to learn, and it is a great way to experience Japanese culture.
Blessings and Deities
Motomishima Shrine is dedicated to the following deities:
- Ooyamagui no Mikoto: The god of mountains and forests
- Izanagi no Mikoto: The god of creation and life
- Wakuhiko no Mikoto: The god of agriculture and fertility
- Minashihime no Mikoto: The goddess of water and purification
- Ukanomitama no Mikoto: The goddess of food and agriculture
- Sarutahiko no Mikoto: The god of roads and travel
Visitors to the shrine can pray for blessings in a variety of areas, including:
- Good luck in business
- Success in school
- Good health
- Safe travel
- Fertility
- Happy marriage
Origin and History
The origins of Motomishima Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the 13th century. The shrine was originally located in Ueno Park, but it was moved to its current location in Nezu in 1650. The shrine was destroyed by fire in 1945, but it was rebuilt in 1951.
Tips and Notes for Visitors
- The Motomishima Shrine Festival is held on the second Saturday and Sunday of May each year.
- The shrine is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Admission to the shrine is free.
- There is a small parking lot available for visitors.
- The shrine is a popular spot for weddings and other ceremonies.
Parking Information
There is a small parking lot available for visitors to Motomishima Shrine. The parking lot is located behind the shrine, and it can accommodate about 10 cars. The parking fee is 500 yen per day.
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. |
