Lions dance through the streets of Tsukiji
Basic Information
Tsukiji Namiyoke Inari Shrine is located in Tsukiji, Chuo Ward, Tokyo, Japan.
- Address: 6-20-37 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045
- Phone Number: 03-3541-8451
- Access: 5-minute walk from Tsukijishijo Station on the Toei Oedo Line, 7-minute walk from Tsukiji Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, 2-minute walk from Tsukiji 6-chome bus stop
- Festival Days: June 9th (Sun), June 10th (Mon), June 11th (Tue), 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Tsukiji Namiyoke Inari Shrine Festival is a vibrant and lively event that attracts many visitors each year. The main events and attractions of the festival include:
Tsukiji獅子祭 (Tsukiji Lion Dance Festival)
The highlight of the festival is the Tsukiji獅子祭, a lively and colorful parade featuring large lion heads carried by performers. The lion dance is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. The parade takes place on the second day of the festival and winds its way through the streets of Tsukiji.
Mikoshi Procession
Another popular event is the mikoshi procession, where a portable shrine is carried through the streets by festival participants. The mikoshi is believed to be the temporary dwelling place of a deity, and carrying it is considered a great honor. The procession takes place on the third day of the festival.
Food Stalls
No Japanese festival is complete without food stalls! At the Tsukiji Namiyoke Inari Shrine Festival, you can find a wide variety of food stalls selling everything from traditional Japanese dishes to international cuisine. There are also many stalls selling souvenirs and crafts.
Live Performances
Throughout the festival, there are also a variety of live performances, including traditional Japanese music and dance, as well as more modern performances such as pop music and comedy shows.
- Tsukiji獅子祭 (Tsukiji Lion Dance Festival): A lively and colorful parade featuring large lion heads carried by performers.
- Mikoshi Procession: A portable shrine is carried through the streets by festival participants.
- Food Stalls: A wide variety of food stalls selling traditional Japanese dishes and international cuisine.
- Live Performances: Traditional Japanese music and dance, as well as more modern performances such as pop music and comedy shows.
Blessings and Deities
Tsukiji Namiyoke Inari Shrine is dedicated to 倉稲魂命 (Ukanomitamaari Jinja), which means “wave-quelling Inari shrine.” This name comes from the legend that the shrine’s deity calmed the waves and allowedBenefits: Food, agriculture, industry, and protection from waves
Origin and History
The origins of Tsukiji Namiyoke Inari Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the early 17th century. The shrine was originally located on the shore of Tokyo Bay, but it was moved to its current location in 1659 after a series of devastating fires. The shrine has been rebuilt several times over the years, most recently in 1923 after the Great Kanto Earthquake.
- Founded: Early 17th century
- Original Location: Shore of Tokyo Bay
- Current Location: 6-20-37 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045
- Rebuilt: 1923
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to the Tsukiji Namiyoke Inari Shrine Festival:
- Dates: June 9th (Sun), June 10th (Mon), June 11th (Tue), 2024
- Location: Tsukiji Namiyoke Inari Shrine, 6-20-37 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045
- Access: 5-minute walk from Tsukijishijo Station on the Toei Oedo Line, 7-minute walk from Tsukiji Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, 2-minute walk from Tsukiji 6-chome bus stop
- Hours: The shrine is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.
- Admission: Free
- What to Wear: Casual attire is appropriate.
- What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, a camera, and an umbrella or raincoat in case of rain.
Parking Information
There is no parking lot at Tsukiji Namiyoke Inari Shrine. However, there are several public parking lots nearby.
- Tsukiji Parking Garage: 3-13-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045
- Tsukiji Central Parking: 4-10-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045
- Tsukiji Kachidoki Parking: 1-16-1 Kachidoki, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0054
Popular Stalls and Food Carts in Recent Years
| Type of Stall | Description |
|---|---|
| Takoyaki | A staple at Japanese festivals. Characterized by a crispy outside and a creamy inside. |
| Jaga Butter | A simple yet popular snack of hot potatoes lavishly topped with melted butter. |
| Baby Castella | Small castella cakes, sweet and fluffy treats enjoyed by children and adults alike. |
| Grilled Ayu with Salt | Fresh ayu fish grilled whole with salt, a savory taste of Japanese summer. |
| Shaapin | A unique gourmet item influenced by foreign cuisine, with a chewy skin wrapping the filling. |
| Okonomiyaki | A Japanese grilled dish where you often choose your own ingredients for a personalized flavor. |
| Cotton Candy | A fluffy, sweet snack that’s extremely popular with children. |
| Chocolate Banana | A banana coated in chocolate, a fun and visually appealing dessert. |
| Kushiyaki | Various types of ingredients skewered and grilled, an easy-to-enjoy snack. |
| Yakisoba | Fried noodles mixed with a special sauce, a fast food favorite in Japan. |
