The Annual Festival at Tsukudo Hachiman Shrine – A 1200-Year-Old Local Shrine in Kagurazaka, Shinjuku. Don’t Miss the Next Big Festival at Akagi Shrine!
An Old Local Shrine in the Heart of Shinjuku: Tsukudo Hachiman’s Annual Festival
On September 15, 2024, the annual festival was held at Tsukudo Hachiman Shrine, an old local shrine in Shinjuku. Founded approximately 1200 years ago during the reign of Emperor Saga (809-823), it is one of Tokyo’s oldest shrines, rivaling the famous oldest Kanda Myojin Shrine, which is one of the oldest shrines in Tokyo, founded in 730. The shrine is located in the area where I live, making it special to the local community.
1678 Mikoshi and Edo-Era Relics: The Timeless Charm of Tsukudo Hachiman Shrine
Tsukudo Hachiman Shrine is home to cultural treasures, such as a 1678 mikoshi (portable shrine), a 1664 Koshin-to stone monument, and the oldest torii gate in Shinjuku, constructed in 1726. While it flourished in the Edo period, today, it serves mainly the local community, offering a quiet, intimate atmosphere. I love these small, local shrines that are preserved mainly for the community.
A Hidden Gem for Festivals and Cherry Blossoms: Tsukudo Hachiman Shrine
The annual festival is held on September 15 each year, and this year featured a children’s mikoshi. Next year, a full adult mikoshi will be paraded, making the event much larger. Even the children’s mikoshi is finely crafted, showing the pride and dedication of the local artisans.
In addition to its annual festival, Tsukudo Hachiman Shrine is a hidden cherry blossom viewing spot in Tokyo. Despite being a famous Sakura location, the grounds remain quiet even during the hanami season. Please visit for Hanami next year.
Akagi Shrine Festival: A Must-See with ‘Butterfly Night Dance’ and Over 50 Stalls
The major festival at Akagi Shrine in Kagurazaka will take place on September 19, 21, and 22, 2024. Traditional performances, such as the ‘Butterfly Night Dance,’ are scheduled, and around 50 stalls are expected to be set up for the festival. The ‘Butterfly Night Dance’ is a sacred performance featuring a collaboration between shrine maidens, drummers, and video projections. It will be held twice daily at 7:30 PM and 8:30 PM on September 21 and 22. Don’t miss this vibrant local celebration following the Tsukudo Hachiman festival!
How to Access Kagurazaka
The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes from any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.