The Kurayami Matsuri “Darkness Festival” is a annual festival held at the Ōkunitama-Jinja Shrine in Miyamachi, Fuchu, Tokyo.
Ōkunitama-Jinja Shrine
Located in Miyamachi, Fuchi, Tokyo, Ōkunitama-Jinja is considered to be one of the five most important Shrines in the Tokyo area.
As the Sōja of the Musashi province, Sōja being a type of Shinto Shrine where the Kami (gods) of a region are grouped together in a single sanctuary, and Musashi Province being a historical and at the time the largest province in the Kanto region comprising of present day Tokyo Metropolis, Saitama and Kanagawa prefectures, it has throughout many periods of Japanese history remained an incredibly significant Shrine.
Originally founded in 111AD (according to legend) and designated Sōja of Musashi province in 645AD, Ōkunitama-Jinja is a Shrine steeped in history and cultural importance.
The Shrine has grown over time, with numerous additions having been made throughout the various eras. Today it comprises of many buildings all within a surrounding wall with outer and inner gates.
Surrounded by greenery it is a much loved place of relaxation.
Kurayami Matsuri “Darkness Festival”
Okunitama-Jinja Shrine’s annual festival is called the Kurayami Matsuri “Darkness Festival”, and takes place over a few days during Golden Week.
In the past, Mikoshi (portable shrines) were carried in complete darkness during the festival, but these days the closing ceremony starts at 6pm, and attracts many festival goers.
You can come and see just the highlights of the Mikoshi procession, or visit several times to take it all in.
The Mikoshi procession departs the Shrine at 6pm on May 5 and continues until around 9pm.
The procession includes six large Taiko drums and eight Mikoshi. Starting at the Shrine and proceeding through the surrounding streets until they reach the Otabisho (temporary resting place for Mikoshi during a festival), where they spend the night and return to the Shrine the following morning.
Taiko Drums & Mikoshi
The six large Taiko drums are beaten loudly while being pulled by a group of people as they move through the streets surrounding the Shrine. It is said that the drums communicate to the spirits and invoke a festival-like atmosphere, creating a shared experience for all.
Enshrined spirits are transferred to Mikoshi (portable shrines) and carried enthusiastically by a team of bearers, chanting as they make their way through the route.
It is said that the enshrined spirits can renew their powers through this ceremony.
Food & Game Stalls
In the grounds of the Shrine, many stalls are set up including food and games.
Various delicious food items are available for festival goers to enjoy!
Video Of Kurayami Matsuri
I have published a video on my YouTube channel with my footage from the Kurayami Matsuri, 2025.
Thank you for reading!
