Enchanting lights illuminate the night at Suijin Shrine Festival
Basic Information
Suijin Shrine is a water shrine located in Edogawa Ward, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the deity of water, Suijin, and is believed to have been established in 1788 during the Tenmei era.
- Address: 5-13 Ichinoe, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo
- Phone Number: Not available
- Access: 15-minute walk from Ichinoe Station on the Toei Shinjuku Line
- Festival Days: Not available
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Suijin Shrine Festival is a traditional Japanese festival held annually to celebrate the deity of water, Suijin. The festival features various events and attractions that showcase Japanese culture and traditions.
Mikoshi Procession
One of the main highlights of the festival is the mikoshi procession. A mikoshi is a portable shrine carried by participants through the streets. The mikoshi is believed to house the spirit of the deity, and carrying it is considered a great honor. During the procession, participants chant and dance to traditional music, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
獅子舞 (Shishimai)
Another popular attraction at the festival is the shishimai, or lion dance. Shishimai is a traditional Japanese dance performed by two people inside a lion costume. The lion is believed to bring good luck and fortune, and its appearance at the festival is met with great excitement. The shishimai dances to the rhythm of traditional music, interacting with the crowd and blessing them with good luck.
Kagura
Kagura is a sacred Japanese dance and music performance that is often performed at Shinto shrines and festivals. During the Suijin Shrine Festival, kagura is performed by trained dancers and musicians. The dance tells stories from Japanese mythology and folklore, and is accompanied by traditional music played on instruments such as the taiko (drum) and fue (flute). Kagura is a beautiful and mesmerizing performance that offers a glimpse into Japanese culture and history.
Food Stalls
No Japanese festival is complete without food stalls! At the Suijin Shrine Festival, there are numerous food stalls selling a variety of traditional Japanese dishes and snacks. Visitors can enjoy delicious treats such as takoyaki (octopus balls), yakisoba (fried noodles), and taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes filled with sweet red bean paste). There are also stalls selling souvenirs and crafts, making the festival a great place to pick up unique gifts and mementos.
Blessings and Deities
The Suijin Shrine Festival is dedicated to the deity of water, Suijin. Suijin is believed to bring blessings of rain and bountiful harvests, and is revered by farmers, fishermen, and people who rely on water for their livelihoods. Worshipping Suijin is believed to bring good luck and protection from water-related disasters.
- Deity: Suijin, the deity of water
- Blessings: Rain, bountiful harvests, protection from water-related disasters
- Venerated by: Farmers, fishermen, and people who rely on water for their livelihoods
Origin and History
The Suijin Shrine Festival is believed to have originated in the Tenmei era (1781-1789), when the area around the shrine was hit by a severe drought. The local people prayed to Suijin for rain, and their prayers were answered. In gratitude, they established the Suijin Shrine and began holding an annual festival to honor the deity.
- Origin: Severe drought in the Tenmei era (1781-1789)
- Reason: To pray for rain and express gratitude to Suijin
- Establishment of the Shrine and Festival: Tenmei era (1781-1789)
Tips and Notes for Visitors
If you plan to visit the Suijin Shrine Festival, here are some tips and notes to make your experience more enjoyable:
- Wear comfortable shoes: You will be doing a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
- Bring a raincoat or umbrella: The festival is held outdoors, so be prepared for rain.
- Arrive early: The festival gets crowded, so it’s best to arrive early to avoid long lines.
- Be respectful: The Suijin Shrine is a sacred place, so be respectful of the customs and traditions of the festival.
- Enjoy the atmosphere: The Suijin Shrine Festival is a vibrant and colorful event. Take some time to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy the sights and sounds of the festival.
Parking Information
There is limited parking available at the Suijin Shrine. If you are driving, it is recommended to arrive early to secure a parking spot. Alternatively, you can use public transportation to get to the festival.
- Limited parking: Available at the Suijin Shrine
- Arrive early: Recommended to secure a parking spot
- Public transportation: Recommended alternative to driving
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. |
