Divine illumination: Otsuka Tenso Shrine lights up for annual festival
Basic Information
Otsuka Tenso Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the Otsuka district of Toshima Ward, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami, the mythical ancestress of the Japanese imperial family.
- Address: 3-49-1 Minami Otsuka, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 170-0005
- Phone Number: 03-3983-2322
- Access: 3-minute walk from Otsuka Station on the JR Yamanote Line, 3-minute walk from Otsuka Ekimae Station on the Toden Arakawa Line, or 7-minute walk from Shin-Otsuka Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line
- Festival Days: September 17, 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Otsuka Tenso 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
The highlight of the festival is the mikoshi procession, where a portable shrine is carried through the streets of Otsuka by teams of people. The mikoshi is decorated with elaborate carvings and ornaments, and it is believed to be the dwelling place of the shrine’s deity, Amaterasu Omikami.
- Overview: A parade of portable shrines carried by teams of people
- Significance: Represents the presence of the shrine’s deity and brings blessings to the community
Yamaboko Parade
Another popular attraction is the yamaboko parade, which features floats decorated with colorful lanterns and traditional Japanese music. The floats are carried through the streets by teams of people, and they create a festive and lively atmosphere.
- Overview: A procession of floats adorned with lanterns and music
- Significance: Celebrates Japanese culture and tradition
Street Stalls
During the festival, the streets around the shrine are lined with stalls selling a variety of food, drinks, and souvenirs. Visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese festival foods such as takoyaki, yakisoba, and cotton candy, as well as a variety of other treats.
- Overview: Vendors selling food, drinks, and souvenirs
- Significance: Offers a taste of Japanese festival culture and cuisine
Blessings and Deities
Otsuka Tenso Shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess and mythical ancestress of the Japanese imperial family. Amaterasu Omikami is revered as the deity of light, warmth, and life, and is believed to bring blessings of good fortune, prosperity, and protection to her worshippers.
- Deity: Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess
- Blessings: Good fortune, prosperity, protection, light, warmth, life
Origin and History
The origins of Otsuka Tenso Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the late Kamakura period (1185-1333). The shrine was originally known as Shinmei-sha or Shinmei-gu, and it was dedicated to the god of agriculture and industry. In the Meiji period (1868-1912), the shrine was renamed Otsuka Tenso Shrine and dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami.
- Founded: Late Kamakura period (1185-1333)
- Original Name: Shinmei-sha or Shinmei-gu
- Renamed: Meiji period (1868-1912)
- Current Name: Otsuka Tenso Shrine
Tips and Notes for Visitors
If you are planning to visit Otsuka Tenso Shrine during the festival, here are a few tips and notes to keep in mind:
- The festival is very popular, so it is important to arrive early to avoid crowds.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
- Bring a camera to capture the colorful sights and sounds of the festival.
- Be respectful of the shrine and its customs.
- Enjoy the festival and all that it has to offer!
Parking Information
There is no dedicated parking lot for Otsuka Tenso Shrine. However, there are several coin-operated parking lots in the surrounding area. You can also use public transportation to get to the shrine.
- No dedicated parking lot
- Coin-operated parking lots nearby
- Public transportation recommended
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. |
