Enchanting lights illuminate the night at Oota Ward’s summer festival.
Basic Information
Rokushosha Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Shimomaruko, Ota Ward, Tokyo, Japan.
- Address: 4-16-5 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo
- Phone Number: 03-3758-0351
- Access: 5-minute walk from Shimomaruko Station on the Tokyu Tamagawa Line
- Festival Days: First Sunday of August every three years (Next: August 4, 2024)
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Rokushosha Shrine Festival is a grand festival held on the first Sunday of August every three years. The festival features a variety of events and attractions, including:
Mikoshi Procession
The highlight of the festival is the mikoshi procession, where a portable shrine is carried through the streets of Shimomaruko. The mikoshi is decorated with colorful tapestries and carried by teams of people. The procession is accompanied by music and dancing, and it is a lively and festive sight.
Shishimai Dance
The shishimai dance is a traditional Japanese lion dance performed at the festival. The dance is performed by two people, one wearing a lion head and the other wearing a lion body. The lion dances to the beat of drums and gongs, and it is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.
Yatai Village
During the festival, a yatai village is set up in the grounds of Rokushosha Shrine. Yatai are food stalls that sell a variety of Japanese street food, such as takoyaki, yakisoba, and okonomiyaki. There are also games and activities for children, making the yatai village a fun place for people of all ages.
Benefits and Deities
Rokushosha Shrine is dedicated to six deities: Okuninushi no Mikoto, Izanagi no Mikoto, Izanami no Mikoto, Susanoo no Mikoto, Oomimi no Mikoto, and Futsunushi no Mikoto. These deities are believed to bring good luck and prosperity, and they are worshipped by people from all over Tokyo.
History and Origin
The origins of Rokushosha Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the Kamakura period (1185-1333). The shrine was originally located in a different part of Shimomaruko, but it was moved to its current location in the Edo period (1603-1868). Rokushosha Shrine has been a popular place of worship for centuries, and it continues to attract many visitors today.
Blessings and Deities
Rokushosha Shrine is dedicated to six deities: Okuninushi no Mikoto, Izanagi no Mikoto, Izanami no Mikoto, Susanoo no Mikoto, Oomimi no Mikoto, and Futsunushi no Mikoto. These deities are believed to bring good luck and prosperity, and they are worshipped by people from all over Tokyo.
- Okuninushi no Mikoto: God of marriage,縁結び, business, and agriculture
- Izanagi no Mikoto and Izanami no Mikoto: Creators of the Japanese islands and deities of creation and life
- Susanoo no Mikoto: God of the sea and storms, and also a fierce warrior
- Oomimi no Mikoto: Goddess of food and agriculture
- Futsunushi no Mikoto: God of war and victory
Origin and History
The origins of Rokushosha Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the Kamakura period (1185-1333). The shrine was originally located in a different part of Shimomaruko, but it was moved to its current location in the Edo period (1603-1868). Rokushosha Shrine has been a popular place of worship for centuries, and it continues to attract many visitors today.
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to Rokushosha Shrine:
- The shrine is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Admission is free.
- The festival is held on the first Sunday of August every three years. The next festival will be held on August 4, 2024.
- The shrine is a popular tourist destination, so it can be crowded during the festival. If you want to avoid the crowds, visit the shrine on a weekday or during the off-season.
- There is a small parking lot at the shrine, but it is often full. If you are driving, you may want to park at a nearby public parking lot.
Parking Information
There is a small parking lot at Rokushosha Shrine, but it is often full. If you are driving, you may want to park at a nearby public parking lot. Here are some options:
- Shimomaruko Station Parking Lot: This parking lot is located next to Shimomaruko Station on the Tokyu Tamagawa Line. It is a 5-minute walk from the shrine.
- Shimomaruko Public Parking Lot: This parking lot is located a 10-minute walk from the shrine.
- Oota Ward Office Parking Lot: This parking lot is located a 15-minute walk from the shrine.
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. |
