Neon lights illuminate the night of Yoshiwara
Basic Information
Yoshiwara Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the Asakusa district of Taitō, Tokyo, Japan.
- Address: 3-20-2 Senzoku, Taitō-ku, Tokyo 111-0031
- Phone Number: 03-3872-5966
- Access: 12-minute walk from Minowa Station on the Hibiya Line, or 12-minute walk from Iriya Station on the Hibiya Line
- Festival Days: May 17th (Fri), May 18th (Sat), May 19th (Sun), 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Yoshiwara Shrine Festival is a lively and colorful event that attracts many visitors each year. The main events and attractions of the festival include:
Mikoshi Procession
One of the highlights of the festival is the mikoshi procession. On the second day of the festival, a portable shrine (mikoshi) is carried through the streets of the Asakusa district. The mikoshi is accompanied by a lively procession of people, including musicians, dancers, and festival-goers.
Kagura Performance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance and music performance that is often performed at Shinto shrines. During the Yoshiwara Shrine Festival, kagura performances are held on the shrine grounds. These performances are a great way to learn about Japanese culture and tradition.
Food Stalls
No Japanese festival is complete without food stalls! At the Yoshiwara Shrine Festival, there are many food stalls selling a variety of delicious Japanese dishes. From classic festival favorites like yakitori and takoyaki to more unique dishes like deep-fried butter and chocolate-covered bananas, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Games and Activities
In addition to the mikoshi procession, kagura performances, and food stalls, the Yoshiwara Shrine Festival also features a variety of games and activities for visitors of all ages. These include traditional Japanese games like ring toss and goldfish scooping, as well as more modern games like face painting and balloon animals.
Blessings and Deities
Yoshiwara Shrine is dedicated to Inari Okami, the god of rice and agriculture. Inari Okami is one of the most popular deities in Japan, and is often depicted as a white fox. Worshippers pray to Inari Okami for good harvests, prosperity, and success in business.
- Inari Okami: God of rice and agriculture, often depicted as a white fox
- Benefits of Worship: Good harvests, prosperity, success in business
Origin and History
Yoshiwara Shrine was founded in 1872, when five Inari shrines in the Yoshiwara district were merged into one. The shrine was originally located on the site of the Genroku Inari Shrine, but was moved to its current location in 1934. Yoshiwara Shrine has a long history of serving the local community, and is a popular destination for worshippers and tourists alike.
- Founded: 1872
- Original Location: Site of the Genroku Inari Shrine
- Current Location: 3-20-2 Senzoku, Taitō-ku, Tokyo 111-0031
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to Yoshiwara Shrine:
- Hours: The shrine is open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
- Admission: Admission to the shrine is free.
- Dress Code: There is no specific dress code for visiting the shrine, but visitors are expected to dress respectfully.
- Photography: Photography is permitted within the shrine grounds, but visitors are asked to be respectful of other worshippers.
- Accessibility: The shrine is wheelchair accessible.
Parking Information
There is no parking lot at Yoshiwara Shrine. However, there are several public parking lots nearby.
- Asakusa Parking Lot: 1-2-2 Asakusa, Taitō-ku, Tokyo 111-0032
- Kuramae Parking Lot: 3-16-1 Kuramae, Taitō-ku, Tokyo 111-0051
- Ueno Parking Lot: 2-17-1 Ueno, Taitō-ku, Tokyo 110-0005
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. |