Gleaming spears dance in the night at Oji Shrine’s lively festival
Basic Information
Oji Shrine is a vibrant Shinto shrine located in the Kita Ward of Tokyo, Japan. Enshrined within its sacred grounds are five deities, including Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto, revered as the progenitors of the Japanese archipelago.
- Address: 1-1-12王子本町, Kita City, Tokyo 114-0022
- Phone Number: 03-3907-7808
- Access: A three-minute walk from JR Oji Station on the Keihin Tohoku Line or Namboku Line, or a five-minute walk from Oji Ekimae Station on the Toden Arakawa Line.
- Festival Days: Early August (three days), 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Oji Shrine Festival is a vibrant and lively event that attracts visitors from all over Tokyo and beyond. Here are some of the main events and attractions that make this festival so special:
Oji Shrine Mikoshi Procession
One of the highlights of the festival is the Oji Shrine Mikoshi Procession. Several elaborately decorated portable shrines (mikoshi) are carried through the streets of Kita Ward by teams of people. The mikoshi are believed to be inhabited by the deities enshrined at Oji Shrine, and the procession is a way to pay respect to them and ask for their blessings.
Yari-mikoshi Procession
Another unique feature of the Oji Shrine Festival is the Yari-mikoshi Procession. Yari-mikoshi are portable shrines that are decorated with spears instead of the usual canopy. These spears are said to represent the divine power of the deities enshrined at Oji Shrine, and the procession is a way to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to the community.
Taiko Drum Performances
The festival also features a variety of taiko drum performances. Taiko drums are traditional Japanese drums that are played with great energy and passion. The thunderous sound of the taiko drums fills the air and creates an exciting and festive atmosphere.
Food and Games
No Japanese festival is complete without food and games! The Oji Shrine Festival offers a wide variety of food stalls selling traditional Japanese dishes such as yakisoba, takoyaki, and okonomiyaki. There are also many games and activities for children, such as goldfish scooping and ring toss.
Blessings and Deities
Oji Shrine is dedicated to five deities, each with their own unique blessings and powers:
- Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto: The progenitors of the Japanese archipelago, these deities are revered for their roles in creation and fertility.
- Amaterasu-Omikami: The sun goddess, Amaterasu-Omikami is revered for her power and light. She is also the patron deity of the imperial family.
- Susanoo-no-Mikoto: The god of storms and the sea, Susanoo-no-Mikoto is also known for his bravery and strength.
- Haya-tama-no-Mikoto: The god of wind, Haya-tama-no-Mikoto is revered for his swiftness and power.
- Koto-shika-no-Mikoto: The god of learning and wisdom, Koto-shika-no-Mikoto is revered for his knowledge and guidance.
Origin and History
The origins of Oji Shrine are shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to have been founded in the early 14th century. The shrine was initially dedicated to the god Susanoo-no-Mikoto, but over time, the other four deities were also enshrined.
Oji Shrine has a long and rich history, and it has been visited by many famous people over the years, including the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu and the emperor Meiji.
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to the Oji Shrine Festival:
- Wear comfortable shoes: You will be doing a lot of walking during the festival, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
- Bring cash: Many of the food and game stalls at the festival only accept cash, so make sure to bring enough with you.
- Be prepared for crowds: The Oji Shrine Festival is a popular event, so be prepared for large crowds. If you are traveling with children, make sure to keep an eye on them at all times.
- Enjoy the atmosphere: The Oji Shrine Festival is a great opportunity to experience Japanese culture and traditions. Take some time to enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the festival.
Parking Information
There is limited parking available at Oji Shrine. If you are driving to the festival, it is best to arrive early to get a spot. You can also park at one of the nearby train stations and take a short walk to the shrine.
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. |
