ASAGAYA SHINMEIGU SHRINE

Beautiful Historic Shrine
[updated August 2026]

In only a two-minute walk to the north from Asagaya Station, you can reach this historic shrine. The shrine is so serine and spacious that you may not believe you are right in the middle of a busy shopping area. This shrine has a long 1700 years of history, and is known for warding off evil.

In late March when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, Kan-okai, a special event to appreciate the blossoms of the shrine, is held. Dances and songs to the God are performed by the shrine maidens and also a party is held under the cherry trees in the compound. This cherry blossom party is open to anybody and free sake and food is served. The date of the party is decided depending on when the cherry blossoms bloom, and may vary year to year. However, cherry blossom season in Tokyo area is typically late March – early April.

Fall Shrine Festivals
There are a number of traditional shrine festivals throughout the autumn season. Asagaya Shinmeigu Shrine also has an annual event during the month of September. Please feel free to visit and check it out. The 2026 schedule is as follows:

September 12th (Sat)

10AM – 1:30PM Japanese Traditional Performances
2:30PM – 3:15PM Taiko Drumming
4PM – 5:15PM Bali Dance
5:30PM – 6:30PM Festival-Eve Vigil
6:45PM – 8:30PM Hula Dance

September 13th (Sun)

10AM – 10:45PM Japanese Traditional Performances
11PM – 11:45PM Festival
12PM – 1PM Folk Dance
1PM – 4PM Japanese Traditional Performances
4PM – 6PM Kagura Performance
6PM – 6:30PM Japanese Traditional Performances
6:30PM – 7PM Storytelling
7PM – 9PM Kagura Performance
9PM Mochi-toss
9:15PM Storytelling

(Please note that all above schedules and events are subject to change based on weather or other circumstances)

A portable shrine shrine called a mikoshi will be carried through the streets of Asagaya in a parade-like atmosphere, ending up back at Asagaya Shinemeigu Shrine.

Street food stalls are often open during the autumn shrine events.

ACCESS

Translation: Y. Ikeno
Photography: Amanda, TFF staff