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Pray for clear skies at Japan's only shrine dedicated to the weather deity

About this spot

Tucked within the grounds of Koenji's Hikawa Shrine, this tiny sanctuary is Japan's only shrine dedicated to Yaoimomoiwakanu, the deity governing weather. Originally enshrined by the Imperial Army's meteorological unit during WWII, it was relocated here after the war and is now a pilgrimage site for weather forecasters taking their exams, event organizers, and anyone wishing to plead their case with the weather. The ema (prayer plaques) here have a unique shape—they're designed like wooden geta used for weather divination—and seeing them lined up on the racks is spectacular. There's no better place to wish 'May tonight's Awa Odori dancing be blessed with clear skies.'

Season & hours

Name: 東京高円寺阿波おどり

Date & time: 8/29 (Sat)・8/30 (Sun) 17:00–20:00

Venue: 高円寺駅周辺の商店街・大通り(演舞場)

1957年に始まり、今や本場・徳島に次ぐ規模となった東京の夏の風物詩です。第67回の2026年は8月29日(土)・30日(日)の17時から20時に開催。高円寺駅を中心に商店街や大通りが演舞場となり、約1万人の踊り手が「ヤットサー、ヤットヤット」の掛け声とともに次々と目の前を通り過ぎます。鉦と太鼓の二拍子が体に響き、男踊りの躍動、編笠に浴衣の女踊りのしなやかさ、子どもたちの懸命な踊りと、連ごとに違う個性は何時間見ていても飽きません。ビルの谷間の商店街に太鼓が反響する音圧は高円寺ならでは。夏の終わりを告げる3時間の熱狂を、街の真ん中で浴びてください。

Tips

当日は駅周辺が大規模な通行規制になり、演舞場沿いは大変混雑します。よい場所で観たいなら16時台から沿道へ。移動は演舞の合間に係員の誘導に従って。ベビーカーでの最前列は難しいため、家族連れは沿道後方や広めの交差点付近が安心です。帰りの電車は終演直後がピークなので、余韻を楽しんでから時間をずらすのがおすすめ。荒天時の開催可否は公式サイトで確認を。

Source: koenji-awaodori.com

Tips

About a 2-minute walk from Koenji Station south exit; pass through Hikawa Shrine's torii gate and the Weather Shrine is on your left. Admission is free. Goshuin (shrine stamps) are available at Hikawa Shrine's office, and the monthly designs featuring weather symbols are popular. The grounds are compact—30 minutes of leisurely prayer and reflection is plenty.