Okay, here is a detailed article about the Sarutahiko Shrine’s Mita Festival (specifically the festival for Sarume Shrine within the Sarutahiko complex), written to make readers want to travel, based on the information from the provided URL.
Experience the Enchanting Mita Festival: A Celebration of Arts, Health, and Guidance at Ise’s Sarutahiko Shrine Complex
Nestled in the spiritual heartland of Ise, Mie Prefecture, famous worldwide for the awe-inspiring Grand Shrines of Ise, lies another significant place of worship: Sarutahiko Shrine. While Sarutahiko Shrine itself is a vital destination for those seeking guidance and safe journeys, its beautiful precinct holds a special gem that comes alive each spring: the Mita Festival.
Though often referred to in connection with the main Sarutahiko Shrine, the Mita Festival is specifically dedicated to Sarume Shrine (佐瑠女神社), a charming subsidiary shrine located peacefully within Sarutahiko Shrine’s grounds. This intimate festival, held annually, offers a unique glimpse into Japanese tradition and a chance to seek blessings related to arts, health, and favorable connections.
Who is the Deity? A Celebration of Arts and Connection
Sarume Shrine enshrines Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto (天宇受売命), a fascinating and important deity from Japanese mythology. Ame-no-Uzume is renowned for her pivotal role in one of the most famous myths: coaxing the sun goddess Amaterasu out of a cave with her lively, inspired dance and performance. Because of this, she is deeply revered as the patron deity of performing arts, entertainment, music, dance, theatre, and even matchmaking and positive human connections.
The Mita Festival is a direct tribute to Ame-no-Uzume, drawing artists, performers, students of creative fields, and anyone seeking to improve their skills or make good connections. It’s also a time to seek blessings for good health (Mubyō Sokusai 無病息災), a universal wish.
What to Expect at the Festival (Held Annually on May 14th)
Each year on May 14th, the Mita Festival ceremony begins around 11:00 AM. The atmosphere is one of respectful solemnity mixed with quiet anticipation.
The core of the festival is the sacred ritual (祭典) conducted by the shrine priests. The highlight of this ceremony is the dedication of the sacred dance, the ‘Urayasu no Mai’ (浦安の舞). Performed by shrine maidens with graceful, deliberate movements accompanied by traditional music, this dance is a beautiful and profound offering to Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto, creating a serene and spiritual ambiance that transports you away from the everyday.
Following the formal ceremony, one of the key attractions for attendees is the opportunity to receive special auspicious items (縁起物) bestowed by the shrine. These sought-after amulets (御守り) are specifically imbued with the blessings of Sarume Shrine. Pilgrims seek them out for “Geinō Jōtatsu” (芸能上達 – improvement and success in arts, entertainment, and various skills) and “Mubyō Sokusai” (無病息災 – warding off illness and ensuring good health). Obtaining one of these unique amulets is a meaningful way to connect with the deity’s power and take a piece of the festival’s blessings home with you.
While not as large or boisterous as some major city festivals, the Mita Festival at Sarume Shrine is deeply personal and spiritually resonant. The shrine grounds become pleasantly lively (賑わう) with worshippers who come to participate, receive their blessings, and appreciate the cultural significance of the event.
Why You Should Visit the Mita Festival
- Connect with the Deity of Arts: If you have any connection to the arts, performing, or creative industries, visiting the shrine of Ame-no-Uzume is a powerful experience. The Mita Festival is the peak time to receive her blessings for success and improvement.
- Seek Good Health: The focus on “Mubyō Sokusai” (good health) makes this festival relevant and beneficial for everyone.
- Experience a Unique Cultural Tradition: Witnessing the Urayasu no Mai and participating in a local shrine festival offers an authentic glimpse into Japanese spiritual practices and mythology.
- Intimate and Spiritual Atmosphere: Unlike massive festivals, the Mita Festival at Sarume Shrine provides a more focused, intimate, and deeply spiritual experience.
- Explore Ise: Sarutahiko Shrine is conveniently located near the famous Ise Jingu, making it easy to combine your visit with exploring one of Japan’s most sacred sites and the charming surrounding area.
Practical Information:
- Event: Sarutahiko Shrine’s Mita Festival (猿田彦神社の三田祭) at Sarume Shrine
- Date: Annually on May 14th
- Time: Ceremony starts around 11:00 AM
- Location: Sarume Shrine (佐瑠女神社) within the precincts of Sarutahiko Shrine (猿田彦神社).
- Address: 2-30 Ujiurata, Ise City, Mie Prefecture, 516-0073 Japan.
- It is situated close to both the Geku (Outer Shrine) and Naiku (Inner Shrine) of Ise Jingu.
- Access:
- By Train: Approximately a 10-15 minute walk from either Iseshi Station (JR and Kintetsu Lines) or Ujiyamada Station (Kintetsu Line).
- By Car: Easily accessible from the Ise Expressway (exit at Ise IC). Parking is available in the vicinity, though it may be busy on the festival day.
- Contact: Sarutahiko Shrine Office (+81-596-25-2650)
If your travels bring you to the beautiful Ise area in mid-May, consider dedicating some time on the 14th to visit Sarutahiko Shrine and experience the enchanting Mita Festival. It’s a beautiful way to connect with ancient deities, witness traditional performances, and seek blessings for your health and passions. Don’t miss this opportunity for a truly special cultural and spiritual experience!
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The following question was used to generate the response from Google Gemini:
At 2025-05-15 11:05, ‘Sarutahiko Shrine’s Mita Festival’ was published according to 全国観光情報データベース. Please write a detailed article with related information in an easy-to-understand manner, making readers want to travel. Please answer in English.
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