Enchanting Shrine Festival in Nerima, Tokyo
Basic Information
Here’s a detailed overview of the 2024 Suwa Shrine Nerima festival.
- Address: 3-13-3 Nishi-Oizumi, Nerima-ku, Tokyo
- Phone Number: 03-5393-3956
- Access: 13-minute walk from the north exit of Oizumi-gakuen Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line
- Festival Days: April 4th, 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Suwa Shrine Nerima festival, held annually on April 4th, features a variety of exciting events and attractions that draw visitors from near and far.
Mikoshi Procession
The highlight of the festival is the Mikoshi Procession, where a portable shrine, or mikoshi, is carried through the streets of Nerima. The mikoshi is believed to house the spirit of the enshrined deity, and carrying it is seen as a great honor.
- Overview: A parade of portable shrines carrying the spirits of deities
- Significance: Symbolizes the purification of the town and prayers for good fortune
Shishimai Dance
Another popular attraction is the Shishimai Dance, performed by dancers wearing lion costumes. The lion is a symbol of strength and courage, and the dance is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.
- Overview: A traditional dance performed by lion-costumed dancers
- Significance: Symbolizes strength, courage, and protection against evil
Kagura Performance
Kagura is a sacred Shinto dance performed by shrine maidens, or miko. The dance is accompanied by traditional music and tells stories from Japanese mythology.
- Overview: A sacred dance performed by shrine maidens
- Significance: Tells stories from Japanese mythology and expresses gratitude to the gods
Blessings and Deities
The Suwa Shrine Nerima festival is dedicated to the deity Take-minakata-no-Mikoto, also known as Suwa-no-Kami. Take-minakata-no-Mikoto is a powerful deity associated with agriculture, water, and wind. He is also revered as a god of war and a protector of the people.
- Deity: Take-minakata-no-Mikoto (Suwa-no-Kami)
- Blessings: Good harvest, abundant water, protection from natural disasters, victory in battle
Origin and History
The exact origins of the Suwa Shrine Nerima festival are unknown, but it is believed to have been held for centuries. The shrine itself is said to have been founded in the 16th century, and the festival is thought to have begun around the same time.
- Shrine foundation: 16th century
- Festival origins: Believed to have started around the same time as the shrine’s foundation
Tips and Notes for Visitors
If you plan to attend the Suwa Shrine Nerima festival, here are a few tips and notes to keep in mind:
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
- Bring a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
- Be respectful of the shrine and its customs.
- Enjoy the festival and all it has to offer!
Parking Information
There is no parking lot at the Suwa Shrine. However, there are several public parking lots nearby.
- Nerima Station North Parking Lot
- Nerima Station South Parking Lot
- Oizumi Gakuen Station North Parking Lot
- Oizumi Gakuen Station South 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. |
