Kameido Katori Shrine is famous for Kachiya Festival‘s Samurai Parade, held on May 5 every year, and good luck for sports people.
Table of Contents
Location:
Kameido Katori Shrine (Kameido Katori Jinja) is a Shinto shrine with origins in the 7th century, believed to bring good luck to sportspeople. It is located in Kameido, Koto Ward, Tokyo.
Besides, the location of the shrine is at the end of the Kameido Katori Katsuun Shoutengai Shopping Street. The shopping street is lined with Showa period-style buildings, connected to the main road approaching the main Torii gate of Kameido Katori Shine.
The shrine is only 8 minutes walk from the North gate of Kameido Station(JR Sobu Line) and Omurai Station(Tobu Kameido Line).
On the other hand, it is A 5-minute walk from Kameido Tenjin Shrine.
History:
Fujiwara-no-Kamatari founded Kameido Katori Shrine in 665.
During a journey to the eastern provinces, which is presently the Kanto area, the founder of the Fujiwara clan, Fujiwara-no-Kamatari, took rest at Turtle Island(Kameido area. Then, he prayed, presenting his sword to the Katori god for his safe journey.
Later, it became popular among the local people, and they developed the shrine.
Purpose of visit:
Kameido Katori Shrine is famous for athletes. Athletes come to pray for their victory as the shrine is known as the God of Sports.
They believe the deities bring good luck to them.
Deities:
The deity of the Kameido Katori Shrine is called Futsunushi no Kami (Katori Okami), the ancestral god of the Japanese military commander, believed to be the god of national protection.
During Emperor Jimmu, the main shrine was enshrined in the Tohoku Shimosa, which the Emperor worshiped as Japan’s protector.
In addition, the emperor period was deeply connected to agriculture, which made outstanding achievements in national land development. That is why the deity is also called the ancestor of industry.
According to the Nihon Shoki(The Chronicles of Japan) and Kojiki(Records of Ancient Matters), it is worth mentioning that Emperor Jimmu was the Legendary first emperor of Japan.
More than 400 Katori Shrines are dedicated to Futsunushi-no-Kami in Japan. It is no doubt because of its historical existence.
In short, the deity is believed to be the god of Sports, protector of the nation, god of warriors, and god of industrial development.
Monuments:
There are several monuments on the premises of the shrine. However, some of the monuments are inevitable to discuss, such as the Statue of Ebisu & Okuninushi, Katsuishi Stone, White Radish Monument, etc.
1) Statue of Ebisu & Okuninushi:
Before stepping up to Kameido Katori Shrine’s Main Hall, most of the people come in front of the Statue of Ebisu and Okuninushi, and pure water over them.
According to their belief, pouring water over the statues bring good luck. Besides, Ebisu and Okuninushi bless the devotee to recover from sickness and offer healthy life.
2) Katsuishi Stone:
After offering prayers to the Main Hall, people stand up in front of a stone on the right side of the stairs.
The Victory Stone was placed in front of the Main Hall in 2016, and the shrine named it Katsuishi Stone. It was put here to mark Kameido Katori Shrine’s 1350 years of Anniversary.
In Japanese, Katsuishi means ‘Victory.’ The stone symbolizes Fujiwara no Kamatari’s sword. Fujiwara no Kamatari presented his sword to Futsunushi no Kami to win his future battle.
People come in front of the stone. They pray for their good luck and touch the stone.
3) White Radish:
There is a lovely white radish stone near purifying pavilion in Kameido Katori Shrine. The white radish attracts the attention of the visitors very quickly.
There is a board that explains the Radish Monument. It says that the area was famous for radish cultivation during the Meiji and Edo Period.
In addition, the soil of the Arakawa River was very fertile, which made radish production grow. Besides, the texture of radish became crisp and tasty.
The monument helps people to remember the important past of the area.
Festivals:
Some of the festivals are very famous in Kameido Katori Jinja. First, however, a few of these festivals need to be discussed, such as Hatsumode, Kachiya Festival, etc.
Katsumode:
Katsumode is the biggest festival in Japan. All shrines and temples celebrate Katsumode.
Besides, most of the shrines and temples host events during the periods in Japan. So, Katsumode is an ordinary festival for the shrine.
Kachiya Festival:
Kachiya Festival is a traditional Samurai Parade, held at Kameido Katori Shrine on May 5 every year, based on Fujiwara no Hidesato’s historic victory. Local people participate in the parade by dressing up in samurai suits and battle armors bout 2 kilometers from the South to Kameido Katori Shrine.
The parade starts at 13:00.
According to history, a legendary samurai Taira no Masakado, from the Kanto region, went against the Imperial Court in Kyoto in 939.
He captured the region, including modern-day Tokyo, within two months.
Another legendary samurai, Fujiwara no Hidesato, who was Emperor’s side, killed rebellious samurai Taira no Masakado.
Fujiwara no Hidesato prayed to Kameido Katori Shrine so that he could win the battle on the way to fight with Taira no Masakado. He killed Taira no Masakado and believed that it was possible because of the blessing of the shrine’s deity.
Later, he came to Kameido Katori Shrine and offered his bow and arrow, naming Kachiya. Kachiya means Victory Arrow.
Based on this Fujiwara no Hidesato historic victory, the parade takes place, and participants offer arrows to the shrine.
Festivals Shortlist:
On New Year’s Day, the main shrine is open from 0:00 ( 31st) to 2:00 (26:00) on the 1st.
March 13, 4th (Sun) 10:00 Kamedo Radish Harvest Festival
Ueki City is held every year from April 3 to 5th.
The Kobudo dedication tournament is held on April 29 every year.
The Kachiya Festival is held on May 5 every year.
Access:
Nearest Station:
# Kameido Station(JR Sobu Line)
10 minutes walk from
# Omurai Station(Tobu Kameido Line)
10 minutes walk
Address:
Kameido Katori Shrine, 3-57-22 Kameido, Koto Ward, Tokyo, Japan
Official website:
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