猿江 Shrine: A Journey Through Time and Tradition

Basic Information

Sarue Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Sarue, Koto Ward, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the deities Amaterasu Omikami, Ukanomitama no Mikoto, and Saru Fujita.

• Phone Number: 03-3631-2516
• Access: 2-minute walk from Exit B1 of Sumyoshi Station on the Toei Shinjuku Line, or a 2-minute walk from “Koto Sarue Nishizei Musho Iriguchi” bus stop via Toei Bus No. 22 from JR錦糸町 Station
• Festival Days: August 14th, 2024

Main Events and Attractions of the Festival

The Sarue Shrine Festival is an annual event that takes place on August 14th. It is a lively and colorful festival that attracts many visitors from all over Tokyo. The main events and attractions of the festival include:

Mikoshi Procession

One of the highlights of the festival is the mikoshi procession. A mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets by a team of people. The mikoshi of Sarue Shrine is particularly large and impressive, and it is carried by a team of over 100 people. The procession winds its way through the streets of Sarue, accompanied by music and dancing.

Bon Odori Dance

Another popular attraction of the festival is the bon odori dance. Bon odori is a traditional Japanese folk dance that is performed during the Obon festival, which is a time to honor the spirits of the dead. The bon odori dance at Sarue Shrine is performed by a group of local dancers, and visitors are also encouraged to join in. The dance is a lively and energetic way to celebrate the festival.

Food and Games

The festival also features a variety of food and games. There are stalls selling traditional Japanese festival foods, such as yakitori, takoyaki, and cotton candy. There are also games for children, such as goldfish scooping and ring toss.

Fireworks Display

The festival concludes with a spectacular fireworks display. The fireworks are launched from a barge in the Sumida River, and they light up the night sky with their brilliant colors. The fireworks display is a fitting end to a lively and enjoyable festival.

Blessings and Deities

Sarue Shrine is dedicated to three deities: Amaterasu Omikami, Ukanomitama no Mikoto, and Saru Fujita. Amaterasu Omikami is the sun goddess and the most important deity in the Shinto pantheon. Ukanomitama no Mikoto is the god of food and agriculture. Saru Fujita is a legendary figure who is said to have been the first person to settle in the Sarue area.

• Amaterasu Omikami: Sun goddess and the most important deity in Shinto
• Ukanomitama no Mikoto: God of food and agriculture
• Saru Fujita: Legendary figure and first settler of the Sarue area

Origin and History

The origins of Sarue Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the 11th century. The shrine was originally dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and fertility. In the 16th century, the shrine was renamed Sarue Shrine and began to be dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, Ukanomitama no Mikoto, and Saru Fujita.

• Founded in the 11th century
• Originally dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and fertility
• Renamed Sarue Shrine in the 16th century
• Began to be dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, Ukanomitama no Mikoto, and Saru Fujita

Tips and Notes for Visitors

Sarue Shrine is a popular tourist destination, especially during the annual Sarue Shrine Festival. Here are some tips and notes for visitors:

• The shrine is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Admission is free.
• The shrine is located a 2-minute walk from Exit B1 of Sumyoshi Station on the Toei Shinjuku Line.
• There is a small parking lot available for visitors.
• The shrine is wheelchair accessible.

Parking Information

There is a small parking lot available for visitors to Sarue Shrine. The parking lot is located behind the shrine and can accommodate up to 10 cars. Parking is free of charge.

Popular Stalls and Food Carts in Recent Years