Experience Japan’s History and Culture Through the Four Seasons in Fuchu!5 Must-See Festivals at Okunitama-jinja Shrine

Held each November on the “Days of the Rooster,” this traditional event has its roots in the Edo period and is characteristic of the Kanto region.
It can take place up to three times— “First Rooster,” “Second Rooster,” and “Third Rooster.”

Vividly decorated kumade rakes line the approach to the shrine, adorned with items such as koban coins, maneki-neko cat figures, and rice ears as talismans for business prosperity, household safety, good harvests, and fortune.
Since it is customary to start with a small rake and replace it with a larger one the following year, you’ll find giant kumade as well. Just browsing the vendor stalls can be entertaining.

Setsubun is an ancient Japanese tradition in which people drive away invisible threats personified as oni demons at the change of seasons.
The bean-throwing ceremony, where participants shout “Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi!” (“Demons out, luck in!”), is held annually not only at shrines and temples but also in private homes. Every year in early February, Okunitama-jinja Shrine hosts a grand bean-throwing ceremony.
Celebrities and sumo wrestlers appear in traditional kamishimo attire to throw beans in prayer for good fortune, creating a spectacular sight.

Taking place from April 30 to May 6 during Golden Week, this is Okunitama-jinja Shrine’s biggest festival, featuring mikoshi (portable shrines), large drums, and festival music.
The shrine precincts overflow with food and game stalls, attracting as many as 800,000 visitors over the course of the festivities.
The highlight is on May 5, when eight mikoshi are carried in procession from the main shrine along the old Koshu Kaido and Fuchu Kaido roads—an awe-inspiring spectacle.
Designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, it’s definitely worth seeing at least once.

Held every year on July 20, the Sumomo Matsuri (Plum Festival) ushers in summer in Fuchu.
It dates back to the mid-Heian period, when the samurai Minamoto no Yoriyoshi and his son visited Okunitama-jinja Shrine to pray for victory in their campaign in Oshu. After achieving success, they returned to offer sumomo plums in gratitude, beginning this festival tradition.

Within the shrine grounds, you’ll find freshly harvested seasonal plums for sale, along with karasu uchiwa and karasu sensu—crow-themed fans—believed to ward off misfortune. These items are particularly popular during this period, as they are only available at this time of year.

The Shuki-sai Kuri Matsuri (Chestnut Festival) highlights autumn’s signature harvest: chestnuts.
The festival began in 1738, prompted by the founding of Daidai Kagura, a type of Shinto ceremonial dance and music.
Since the Musashino area has long produced high-quality chestnuts—so much so that they were once offered to the Tokugawa shogunate—their harvest season coincided with the timing of Daidai Kagura. Eventually, people began calling it the “Kuri Matsuri” (Chestnut Festival).

Held annually on September 27 and 28, this solemn dance has been designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

During festivals at Okunitama-jinja Shrine, vibrant stalls line the approach, entertaining visitors with food and fun.
With the sounds of festival music in the air and the lively atmosphere of a time-honored event, you can stroll around savoring yakisoba, grilled chicken, seafood, sweets, and more.
Prices start at around 500 yen, making it easy to try whatever catches your eye.

One place to visit first is Komaya Tabi Shop, a long-established shop with over 100 years of history. Located right next to Keio Fuchu Station and about 500 meters from Okunitama-jinja Shrine, it carries tabi socks, zori sandals, shingen-bukuro, and other traditional accessories, as well as items like hannya masks and more—perfect for souvenirs.
You’ll also find festival-related goods such as wooden plaques from the Kurayami Matsuri and T-shirts printed with images of large taiko drums, so be sure to take a look.

Naorai Stand Miya, located just steps from Okunitama-jinja Shrine, specializes in carefully curated sake from around Japan.
The selection changes weekly, with detailed explanations on the menu to help you find the perfect drink.
The owner, who trained as a French chef, serves dishes in small portions designed for solo diners.
Many are original creations featuring local Fuchu vegetables.

If you’ve come all this way to attend a festival, why not immerse yourself even further in Japanese culture?
Family Photo Studio SMILE can help you do just that.
Situated to the west of Okunitama-jinja Shrine, it’s only a minute’s walk from Fuchu-Hommachi Station on the JR Nambu and Musashino Lines.
The studio offers a variety of kimono options for photo shoots, and many international visitors come here to create lasting souvenirs of their trip to Japan.
They can take care of your hairstyle, makeup, and kimono dressing, so why not give it a try?