Enchanting Shrine Festival in Nakano, Tokyo
Basic Information
Tenjin Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Nakano Ward, Tokyo, Japan.
- Address: 1-15-9 Higashinakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo 164-0002
- Phone Number: 03-3381-7629
- Access: 6-minute walk from Tozai Line Nakano Station
- Festival Days: October 18th, 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Tenjin Shrine Festival is a lively and colorful event that attracts many visitors each year. The main highlights of the festival include:
Mikoshi Procession
The mikoshi procession is the main event of the festival. A mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets by a team of people. The Tenjin Shrine mikoshi is a large and elaborate structure, and it is a sight to behold as it is carried through the streets of Nakano Ward.
Lion Dance
The lion dance is a traditional Japanese dance that is often performed at festivals. The dance is performed by two people, one wearing a lion head and the other wearing a lion body. The lion dance is said to bring good luck and fortune.
Kagura
Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance that is performed to Shinto music. The dance is often performed by young women, and it is said to bring good luck and prosperity.
Food Stalls
There are many food stalls at the Tenjin Shrine Festival, selling a variety of delicious Japanese food. Some of the most popular foods include takoyaki, yakisoba, and taiyaki.
Blessings and Deities
The Tenjin Shrine is dedicated to the deity Sugawara no Michizane, a scholar and politician who lived in the Heian period (794-1185). Sugawara no Michizane is also known as Tenjin, and he is revered as the god of scholarship and learning. Students often visit Tenjin shrines to pray for success in their studies.
Origin and History
The Tenjin Shrine in Nakano Ward was founded in 1655. It is said that the shrine was built by a group of villagers who invited Sugawara no Michizane’s spirit from the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in Kyoto. The shrine has been a popular place of worship for local residents for centuries.
Tips and Notes for Visitors
If you are visiting the Tenjin Shrine during the festival, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- The festival is very popular, so it is best to arrive early to avoid crowds.
- The shrine is located in a residential area, so please be respectful of the neighbors.
- There are no parking facilities at the shrine, so please use public transportation or park in a nearby parking lot.
Parking Information
There is no parking lot at the Tenjin Shrine. Visitors are advised to use public transportation or park in a nearby 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. |
