The Kurayami Matsuri, or "Darkness Festival," is one of Tokyo's most important shrine festivals and takes place annually from April 30 to May 6. The festival recreates ancient rituals that were traditionally performed in complete darkness to avoid offending the gods. It features dramatic nighttime processions with portable shrines, taiko drumming performances, and traditional dance. The highlight occurs on the evening of May 5, when eight massive mikoshi (portable shrines) are paraded through the streets. The festival attracts over 700,000 visitors each year and has been designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Tokyo.
Ōkunitama Shrine is located in Fuchu City, about 30-40 minutes from central Tokyo. The most convenient access is via Fuchu Station on the Keio Line from Shinjuku (approximately 20 minutes express) or the JR Musashino and Nambu Lines. From Fuchu Station, the shrine is just a 3-minute walk. Alternatively, you can use Fuchu-honmachi Station on the Keio Line, which is about a 5-minute walk from the shrine. The shrine is well-signposted from both stations, making it easy to find.
Entry to the shrine grounds is completely free, and the grounds are open 24 hours a day. Visitors can freely explore the main worship hall, walk through the beautiful tree-lined precincts, and participate in prayers and offerings without any charge. However, if you wish to visit the shrine's treasure house (Homotsuden), which displays historical artifacts including ancient mirrors and ceremonial objects, there is a small admission fee of 300 yen for adults.
The main worship hall with its Edo-period architecture is the centerpiece of any visit. Be sure to admire the ancient ginkgo trees that are over 1,000 years old, particularly stunning in autumn when their leaves turn golden yellow. Walk along the Keyaki Namiki, the historic zelkova tree-lined approach to the shrine, which is flanked by traditional shops and restaurants. If time permits, visit the treasure house to see historical artifacts and learn more about the shrine's long history. The shrine also features smaller auxiliary shrines within the grounds, sacred ponds, and stone monuments. Early morning visits offer a peaceful atmosphere, while evening visits during festival periods provide a completely different, energetic experience.
Traveler reviews
Our favorite temple in Tokyo. We've visited it multiple times of the years and there's something special about this place. There is a sense of calmness and tranquility not even other temples had for me.
This is also one of the most accessible temples: one of the few without stairs to enter (although there are stairs to enter the main shrine for ceremonies). The path going through the gates is beautiful, surrounded by trees and so serene.
For tourists: there are also explanations in English for praying and how to properly wash your hands. Everything is well organized and easy to understand. Although the staff working the store aren't very communicative or patient in explaining any products - even in Japanese. So prepare to ask a lot of questions when buying products and having some paper shoved into your face. That's the only thing I wish was better at this temple.
No matter the weather, it's always a delight to visit this temple. We've been here in sunny days, windy and pouring days. It's always been a nice experience.
I visited here during 9 August 2025 with my family, it was during a festival. Very family friendly, and an enjoyable experience. There were lots of small vendors selling food, gifts, beer (i think), and small children's games.
A wonderful little temple for anyone in the neighborhood to visit. As a kid I lived not far from the temple and took some photos there. After 50 years of black and white memories, I returned to find the shrine very much like I left it, but this time I have memories in color. Easy to get to even from Shinjuku. Keio line to Fuchu.
A wonderful place. You can feel peace from inside your soul as you come in this shrine. All year along you see this Jinja in a different virtues of beauty with respect to different seasons Japan has. The spring festival around this Jinja is a must to attend. You might be surprised by the crowd but it would a unique Japanese experience.
Impressive, especially during the Kurayami Matsuri festival! The events cover three days and should not be missed, they are a way to interact intensively, with Japanese culture! I recommend!
