Enchanting melodies and divine processions: 芝大神宮’s grand festival

Basic Information

Shiba Daijingu is a Shinto shrine located in the Shiba district of Minato, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the deities Amaterasu and Toyouke, and is considered one of the most important shrines in the Kanto region.

• Address: 1-12-7 Shiba Daimon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0012
• Phone Number: 03-3431-4802
• Access: 5-minute walk from Hamamatsucho Station on the JR Yamanote Line or Keihin-Tohoku Line, or 1-minute walk from Daimon Station Exit A6 on the Toei Asakusa Line or Toei Oedo Line.
• Festival Days: September 11th (Wed) – September 21st (Sat), 2024

Main Events and Attractions of the Festival

The Shiba Daijingu Festival is a lively and colorful event that attracts many visitors each year. Some of the main events and attractions of the festival include:

Mikoshi Procession

One of the highlights of the festival is the mikoshi procession, which takes place on September 16th. During the procession, several portable shrines (mikoshi) are carried through the streets of Shiba by teams of people. The mikoshi are decorated with elaborate carvings and ornaments, and they are accompanied by music and dancing.

Kagura Dance

Another popular event at the festival is the kagura dance. Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance that is performed to Shinto music. The dances are often performed by young women, and they tell stories from Japanese mythology.

Food Stalls

The festival also features a variety of food stalls, where visitors can enjoy a wide range of Japanese dishes. Some of the most popular foods include yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), takoyaki (octopus balls), and taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes filled with sweet bean paste).

Daradara Matsuri

The Shiba Daijingu Festival is also known as the “Daradara Matsuri,” which means “long, drawn-out festival.” This is because the festival lasts for 11 days, from September 11th to September 21st. During this time, there are a variety of events and activities held at the shrine, including traditional music performances, tea ceremonies, and martial arts demonstrations.

Blessings and Deities

Shiba Daijingu is dedicated to the deities Amaterasu and Toyouke. Amaterasu is the sun goddess and the most important deity in the Shinto pantheon. Toyouke is the goddess of food and agriculture. Visitors to the shrine can pray for blessings related to these deities, such as good health, prosperity, and a bountiful harvest.

Origin and History

The origins of Shiba Daijingu are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the 9th century. The shrine was originally located in the Shiba district of Edo (present-day Tokyo), but it was moved to its current location in 1603. Shiba Daijingu is a popular shrine among locals and tourists alike, and it is especially crowded during the annual Daradara Matsuri festival.

Tips and Notes for Visitors

• The shrine is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Admission is free.
• Visitors can purchase amulets and other good luck charms at the shrine office.
• There is a large parking lot available for visitors.
• The shrine is a popular spot for weddings and other ceremonies.

Parking Information

There is a large parking lot available for visitors to Shiba Daijingu. The parking lot is located next to the shrine, and it can accommodate up to 100 cars. The parking fee is 500 yen per day.

Popular Stalls and Food Carts in Recent Years