Oda’s summer nights, adorned with divine lights
Basic Information
Suwa Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Ota Ward, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the god Takeminakata-no-Mikoto, the god of wind and water.
- Address: 2-23-6 Omorinishi, Ota-ku, Tokyo 143-0015
- Phone Number: 03-3764-3803
- Access: 6-minute walk from Omorimachi Station on the Keikyu Line
- Festival Days: Late May (TBD)
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Suwa 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. A mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets by a group of people. The Suwa Shrine mikoshi is a large and elaborate structure that is decorated with colorful tapestries and streamers. It is carried by a team of dozens of people, and it is a sight to behold as it makes its way through the streets.
Kagura Performance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance that is often performed at Shinto festivals. At the Suwa Shrine Festival, kagura is performed by a group of young women who are dressed in colorful costumes. The dance is graceful and elegant, and it is a beautiful way to experience Japanese culture.
Food Stalls
No Japanese festival is complete without food stalls! At the Suwa Shrine Festival, there will be a variety of food stalls selling everything from traditional Japanese dishes to modern festival favorites. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as takoyaki (octopus balls) and yakisoba (fried noodles).
Games and Activities
In addition to the main events, there will also be a variety of games and activities for people of all ages to enjoy. These include traditional Japanese games like ring toss and goldfish scooping, as well as more modern games like face painting and balloon animals.
Blessings and Deities
Suwa Shrine is dedicated to Takeminakata-no-Mikoto, the god of wind and water. He is also known as the god of agriculture, forestry, and fishing. Takeminakata-no-Mikoto is said to have brought water to the Suwa region, making it a fertile and prosperous land. He is also said to have taught the people of Suwa how to cultivate rice and other crops.
- Deity: Takeminakata-no-Mikoto
- Blessings: Agriculture, forestry, fishing, water, fertility, prosperity
Origin and History
The origins of Suwa Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the 6th century. The shrine was originally located in the Suwa region of Nagano Prefecture, but it was moved to its current location in Ota Ward, Tokyo in 1945. The shrine was destroyed by fire in 1945, but it was rebuilt in 1952.
- Founded: 6th century
- Original location: Suwa region of Nagano Prefecture
- Current location: Ota Ward, Tokyo
- Rebuilt: 1952
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to the Suwa Shrine Festival:
- Date: Late May (TBD)
- Location: Suwa Shrine, Ota Ward, Tokyo
- Access: 6-minute walk from Omorimachi Station on the Keikyu Line
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Admission: Free
- What to expect: Mikoshi procession, kagura performance, food stalls, games and activities
- Tips: Wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat and sunscreen, and arrive early to get a good spot for the mikoshi procession.
Parking Information
There is no parking lot at Suwa Shrine. However, there are several coin-operated parking lots in the area. The closest parking lot is located a 3-minute walk from the shrine.
- Closest parking lot: 3-minute walk from the shrine
- Other parking lots: Within a 10-minute walk of the shrine
- Rates: Vary by parking lot
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. |