Carry the
MikoshiWASEDA · TSURUMAKI-CHO · SHINJUKU — TENSO SHRINE FESTIVAL

Shoulder the Shrine

A mikoshi is a portable Shinto shrine that a neighborhood carries on their shoulders through the streets — chanting, swaying and cheering together — once a year. The Tsurumaki-cho neighborhood association is welcoming a few of our hotel guests to the Tenso Shrine Festival, a tradition here since before the war: Tsurumaki-cho was once a large town divided into four neighborhood associations, and at festival time their mikoshi are carried through the streets, as they have been since around 1950. You'll put on a happi coat, line up shoulder-to-shoulder with the local bearers — our staff will be carrying too — and carry the shrine yourself. No experience needed — the team shows you how.

Two days to join

The festival runs over two days, and you're welcome to come to either one — or both. The exact meeting point and time are emailed to selected guests.

Good to know

• Limited spotsApplying doesn't confirm your place — spots are limited and we select among applicants. Please apply by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Sep 16 (Japan time). We email the selected guests by 7:00 p.m. the same evening — the exact meeting point and time follow before the festival. If you haven't heard from us by then, you weren't selected this time.
• Who can joinThis event is for guests staying at our properties in the Waseda / Tsurumaki-cho area — you'll need your reservation number to apply. It's a physical event, so it's for healthy participants roughly ages 15 and up.
• Choose your daySaturday (4:00–5:00 p.m.), Sunday (12:00 noon to about 5:00 p.m.), or both days. The form asks which you'd like.
• What you wearA happi coat is lent to you free of charge — you just slip it over your own clothes, so no changing is needed (and there is no changing room). A T-shirt underneath is fine, and no special tabi boots or belt are required. Please keep the happi on the whole time you're with the mikoshi, and return it at the end — if you need to leave earlier, hand yours to our staff first.
• ShoesNo special footwear is needed for this festival. Sneakers or other flat, closed shoes you can walk and stand in for a few hours are perfect. Sandals, flip-flops, heels and slippery soles aren't safe for carrying.
• How the carrying worksBearers take turns: you carry short stretches, swap out, and rest — there are breaks along the route, especially on Sunday. You can step out partway through if you need to; just return your happi to our staff when you go.
• Free — and a giftParticipation is free, and the happi coat is lent free of charge. As a souvenir, you'll receive a traditional tenugui hand towel with the neighborhood crest to take home.
• LuggagePlease come as hands-free as you can — a small bag at most. There is no luggage storage at the festival.
• Follow the crewThis is a real neighborhood tradition we're being welcomed into. The association's officials run the procession — please follow their guidance and our staff's at all times; anyone who doesn't will be asked to return the happi and leave.
• Safety rulesNever climb on the mikoshi or its carrying poles. Bare torsos are not allowed — keep the happi on. No alcohol during the procession — fighting or drunken behavior means immediate removal.
• Getting therePlease come by train or on foot — there is no parking at the festival. The meeting point is a few minutes from Waseda Station. Smoking only in designated areas.
• TimePlease keep your chosen day free. The exact meeting point and time go only to selected guests, by email; if you're running late on the day, contact the staff member named in that message.
• Photos & videoBy joining, you agree that we may take photos and video of the group for our website, press and social media — this event is only for guests who are happy with that. When you take your own photos, remember local families and children are everywhere, so please ask before pointing your camera at people.
• WeatherLight rain doesn't stop the festival. If severe weather forces a cancellation, we'll let you know by message on your booking platform before the meeting time. It can still be hot in mid-September — bring water.

Application Form

Joining is free — the happi coat is lent at no charge — and spots are limited. The application takes a minute or two: reservation number, name, number of participants, which day(s) you'd like to join and your email. We email the selected guests with the meeting details.