Scheduled to be held in one of Tokyo’s most distinctive and charming neighborhoods, Kita Senju’s Princess Adachi Festival promises to be an exciting cultural spectacle. In addition to traditional Japanese performing arts, the event will include a performance of the Princess Adachi Opera—an outstanding musical event inspired by the tragic tale of the area’s beloved legendary princess. During the two-day event (December 18–19, 2024), visitors will become completely immersed in the history of Kita Senju.
Book this event: https://rojicoya.jp/adachi-hime/
Kita Senju—Where Tokyo’s Past and Present Intertwine
Tokyo’s Kita Senju area has a rich and fascinating history—a history that is still strongly felt today. Once an important post town on the route between Edo (now Tokyo) and Nikko, this charming district is filled with historic temples, ancient shrines, and retro shopping streets. Although it retains a nostalgic Showa-period atmosphere, the area has all the modern conveniences of a thriving Tokyo neighborhood.
The Princess Adachi Festival—Where Kita Senju Comes to Life
Centered on Kita Senju’s historic Jigenji Temple, this exciting festival includes lion dances, traditional bamboo-flute performances, a guided tour of Kita Senju, and the Princess Adachi Opera paired with an unforgettable dinner. Visitors can choose from four event packages, each with different combinations of experiences—one of these is an excellent all-inclusive package!
Those who purchase a package can also join the Japan Performing Arts and Gourmet Experience, an exciting event featuring an eclectic group of traditional Japanese performance artists—ninja, shamisen players, folk musicians, and street performers. Delicious regional cuisine can also be sampled at this event. Travelers are assured of easy access to the festivities with the availability of multilingual support and cashless payments accepted!
Lion-Dance (Shishimai) Performance
The lively, theatrical lion dance is recognized worldwide for its iconic costumes and mesmerizing movements. Said to ward off evil and keep demons at bay, the dance is an intrinsic part of many traditional Japanese festivals.
Although most certainly a terrifying experience, being bitten on the head by one of these creatures is believed to be auspicious in that it supposedly improves a person’s health and academic performance!
Bamboo-Flute (Shinobue) Performance
The distinctive and haunting sound of a shinobue, the traditional Japanese bamboo flute, instantly transports listeners back in time. Hugely popular during the Edo period, the flute is made of carefully selected bamboo, which is then aged for over a decade before being expertly crafted into this exquisite instrument.
During the festival’s shinobue event, guests will have the opportunity to hear a professional play a shinobue created by one of Japan’s most renowned artisans—and also the incredibly rare chance to play a shinobue themselves.
Kita Senju Walking Tour
Led by an expert guide, this tour delves deep into the fascinating history of Kita Senju—venturing down hidden backstreets and even exploring spots usually off-limits to the general public. With their historical maps and thorough knowledge of local legends, the guides will transport participants back in time.
The Princess Adachi Opera and Buffet Dinner
The legend of Princess Adachi has been adapted for the stage as a unique, modern opera that features the music of traditional Japanese instruments and thirteen incredible female vocalists. With its story written by Naoyuki Sumi and its music composed by Hidekazu Nagai, the show is sure to enchant all those who see it.
Guests will also enjoy a wonderful buffet dinner at the sky-high restaurant Tapis Rouge, a venue that affords breathtaking panoramic views of the city. The buffet features a variety of dishes made with local ingredients, and the setting provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable evening.
Note: The performance is in Japanese, with full English translation available.
The Legend of Princess Adachi and Its Connection with Kita Senju
The local legend of Princess Adachi, dating back around 1,300 years, is the story of a doomed princess who died tragically as a consequence of a politically motivated marriage. Six temples were constructed in her honor in the area now known as Kita Senju, with a statue of Amida Buddha enshrined in each one.
Pilgrimages to the six temples became popular during the Edo period, and as a result, many inns and markets were built in Kita Senju—which is believed to have massively contributed to the development of today’s vibrant area.
Event Details
Dates:
December 18 (Wednesday) and 19 (Thursday), 2024
Access to Kita-Senju Station:
- JR Joban Line: 20 minutes from Tokyo Station; 10 minutes from Ueno Station
- Tsukuba Express Line: 10 minutes from Akihabara Station; 5 minutes from Asakusa Station
- Hibiya Subway Line: 15 minutes from Akihabara Station; 10 minutes from Ueno Station
- Chiyoda Subway Line: 15 minutes from Otemachi Station
Access to Jigenji Temple (main venue): https://maps.app.goo.gl/uUCsJhcfqBGcnrmB8
About a 10-minute walk from the west exit of Kita-Senju Station
Program Details
- Lion-dance and shinobue-performance package Location: Jigenji Temple (1-2-9 Senju, Adachi-ku, Tokyo) Time: 12:00–13:00 (last registration at 11:30) Cost: ¥8,000 (prepayment is required)
- Lion dance and guided Kita Senju walking-tour package Location: Jigenji Temple & Kita Senju area Time: 14:30–16:00 (last registration at 14:00) Cost: ¥8,000 (prepayment is required)
- Dinner and Princess Adachi Opera package Location: Art Center of Tokyo (1-4-1 Senju, Adachi-ku, Tokyo) Time: 16:30–20:00 (last registration at 16:00) Cost: ¥25,000 (prepayment is required)
- Complete package (includes all the above) Cost: ¥33,000 (prepayment is required)
Note: Those who purchase a package can also join the Japan Performing Arts and Gourmet Experience, held at Jigenji Temple from 13:15 until 17:15.
Book this event: https://rojicoya.jp/adachi-hime/
You can experience traditional Japanese culture such as ikebana (Japanese flower arranging), calligraphy, and bushido (samurai warrior) experiences in a historic setting at Rojicoya in Kita Senju anytime!
Click here for more information: (https://rojicoya.jp/english/)
