Shrine festival with giant banners that reach the sky
Basic Information
Shinozaki Asama Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Edogawa Ward, Tokyo, Japan. It is the oldest shrine in the ward, with a history dating back to the Heian period.
- Address: 1-22-31 Kami-Shinozaki, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo 133-0054
- Phone Number: 03-3679-6183
- Access: 13-minute walk from Shinozaki Station on the Toei Shinjuku Line
- Festival Days: June 24th (Fri), June 25th (Sat), June 30th (Sun), July 1st (Mon), July 2nd (Tue), 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Shinozaki Asama Shrine Festival is a vibrant and colorful event that attracts visitors from all over Tokyo. The festival’s main highlights include:
Nobori Matsuri (Banner Festival)
The highlight of the festival is the Nobori Matsuri, or Banner Festival, which takes place every other year. During this festival, ten massive banners, each measuring 25 meters in height and weighing over a ton, are erected in the shrine grounds. The banners are made of colorful cloth and feature intricate designs, and they are a truly impressive sight to behold.
- Content: Erection of ten massive banners in the shrine grounds
- Features: Banners are 25 meters tall, weigh over a ton, and feature intricate designs
Mikoshi Procession
Another popular event is the Mikoshi Procession, which takes place on the second day of the festival. During this procession, a portable shrine, or mikoshi, is carried through the streets of the neighborhood, accompanied by music and dancing. The mikoshi is believed to be inhabited by the shrine’s deity, and it is a great honor to be able to carry it.
- Content: Portable shrine procession through the streets
- Features: Mikoshi is believed to be inhabited by the shrine’s deity
Food Stalls and Games
The festival also features a variety of food stalls and games, making it a great place to enjoy a day out with family and friends. There is something for everyone to enjoy, from traditional Japanese dishes to international cuisine.
- Content: Food stalls and games
- Features: Variety of food options, from traditional Japanese to international cuisine
Blessings and Deities
Shinozaki Asama Shrine is dedicated to the deity Konohanasakuya-hime, also known as the goddess of Mount Fuji. She is revered for her association with safe childbirth, fire prevention, and child-rearing. Worshipping at this shrine is believed to bring blessings in these areas of life.
- Deity: Konohanasakuya-hime
- Blessings: Safe childbirth, fire prevention, child-rearing
Origin and History
The origins of Shinozaki Asama Shrine can be traced back to the Heian period (794-1185). It is said that the shrine was founded in 932 by a man named Minamoto no Mitsunaka, who was a powerful samurai warrior. The shrine was originally located on a hilltop, but it was later moved to its current location in the Edo period (1603-1868).
- Founded: 932
- Founder: Minamoto no Mitsunaka
- Original location: Hilltop
- Current location: Edo period
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to the Shinozaki Asama Shrine Festival:
- The festival is held every other year, so be sure to check the dates before planning your visit.
- The festival is very popular, so it is recommended to arrive early to avoid crowds.
- There are a variety of food stalls and games at the festival, so come hungry and ready to have some fun.
- The festival is a great place to learn about Japanese culture and traditions.
Parking Information
There is limited parking available at the Shinozaki Asama Shrine. Visitors are encouraged to use public transportation or park in nearby parking lots.
- Parking: Limited
- Recommendation: Use public transportation or park in nearby parking lots
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. |