Nanasha Shrine Festival: A Fusion of History and Festivities

Basic Information

Nanasha Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Kita Ward, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to seven deities, including the god of thunder and the god of agriculture. The shrine is known for its annual festival, which is held on September 22nd and 23rd. During the festival, the shrine is decorated with colorful lanterns and there are various events, including a mikoshi procession and a kagura dance performance.

• Address: 2-11-1 Nishigahara, Kita-ku, Tokyo 114-0024
• Phone Number: 03-3910-1641
• Access: 2-minute walk from Exit 2 of Nishigahara Station on the Tokyo Metro南北線 (南北線).
• Festival Days: September 22nd (Fri) and 23rd (Sat), 2024

Main Events and Attractions of the Festival

The Nanasha Shrine Festival is a two-day event held annually on September 22nd and 23rd. The festival features a variety of events and attractions, including:

Mikoshi Procession

One of the main highlights of the festival is the mikoshi procession. A mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets by a group of people. The Nanasha Shrine mikoshi is a large and elaborate structure, and it is carried by a team of over 100 people. The procession begins at the shrine and winds its way through the surrounding neighborhood. It is a lively and colorful event, and it is a great opportunity to experience Japanese culture and tradition.

Kagura Dance Performance

Another popular attraction at the festival is the kagura dance performance. Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance that is performed to Shinto music. The dances are often very elaborate and beautiful, and they tell stories from Japanese mythology. The kagura dance performance at the Nanasha Shrine Festival is one of the most popular events of the festival, and it is a great opportunity to see this traditional art form.

Food and Games

In addition to the mikoshi procession and the kagura dance performance, the festival also features a variety of food and games. There are food stalls selling a variety of Japanese dishes, as well as games and activities for children. The festival is a great place to come and enjoy a day out with family and friends.

• Food Stalls: A variety of Japanese dishes are available for purchase, including yakitori, takoyaki, and okonomiyaki.
• Games and Activities: There are a variety of games and activities for children, such as goldfish scooping and ring toss.
• Cultural Exhibits: There are also a number of cultural exhibits at the festival, where visitors can learn about Japanese history and tradition.

Blessings and Deities

Nanasha Shrine is dedicated to seven deities, each of whom is said to bestow different blessings upon worshippers. The seven deities are:

• Amaterasu Omikami: The sun goddess and the most important deity in the Shinto pantheon. She is said to bring blessings of light, warmth, and life.
• Susanoo no Mikoto: The god of storms and the sea. He is also said to be the god of agriculture and industry.
• Tsukuyomi no Mikoto: The god of the moon and the night. He is said to bring blessings of peace and tranquility.
• Ukanomitama no Mikoto: The goddess of food and agriculture. She is said to bring blessings of bountiful harvests and prosperity.
• Sarutahiko no Mikoto: The god of roads and travel. He is said to bring blessings of safe journeys and good luck.
• Omononushi no Mikoto: The god of marriage and childbirth. He is said to bring blessings of happy marriages and healthy children.
• Kotoshironushi no Mikoto: The god of wealth and fortune. He is said to bring blessings of prosperity and success.

Origin and History

The origins of Nanasha Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the early Heian period (794-1185). The shrine was originally located in the village of Nishigahara, but it was moved to its current location in 1603. The shrine was destroyed by fire in 1868, but it was rebuilt in 1872.

Nanasha Shrine is a popular destination for worshippers seeking blessings in a variety of areas, including health, wealth, and relationships. The shrine is also a popular spot for weddings and other special events.

Tips and Notes for Visitors

Here are some tips and notes for visitors to Nanasha Shrine:

• 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 destination for weddings and other special events, so it is best to avoid visiting during these times if you are looking for a quiet experience.
• There are a number of restaurants and shops located near the shrine.

Parking Information

There is a small parking lot available for visitors to Nanasha Shrine. The parking lot is located on the north side of the shrine, and it can accommodate up to 10 cars. The parking fee is 500 yen per day.

If the parking lot is full, there are a number of public parking lots located nearby. The closest public parking lot is located about a 5-minute walk from the shrine.

Popular Stalls and Food Carts in Recent Years