Gleaming shrine, vibrant festival, rich history
Basic Information
Togoshi Hachiman Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan.
- Address: 2-6-23 Togoshi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-0041
- Phone Number: 03-3781-4186
- Access: A 6-minute walk from Togoshi Station on the Toei Asakusa Line, a 9-minute walk from Togoshi Koen Station on the Tokyu Oimachi Line, or a 10-minute walk from Togoshi Ginza Station on the Tokyu Ikegami Line.
- Festival Days: Second Saturday and Sunday of September
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Togoshi Hachiman 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
The highlight of the festival is the mikoshi procession, where a portable shrine is carried through the streets of Togoshi. The mikoshi is decorated with colorful tapestries and streamers, and it is carried by a team of men and women. The procession is accompanied by music and dancing, and it creates a festive atmosphere.
Kagura Dance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance that is often performed at Shinto shrines. During the Togoshi Hachiman Shrine Festival, kagura is performed by a group of young women. The dance is graceful and elegant, and it is a beautiful sight to behold.
Food Stalls
There are many food stalls at the Togoshi Hachiman Shrine Festival, selling a variety of delicious Japanese food. Some of the most popular dishes include yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), takoyaki (octopus balls), and taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes filled with sweet bean paste). There are also many stalls selling souvenirs and crafts.
Bon Odori
Bon Odori is a traditional Japanese dance that is performed during the Obon festival, which is a time to honor the spirits of the dead. During the Togoshi Hachiman Shrine Festival, there is a Bon Odori performance on the evening of the second day of the festival. The dance is performed by a group of people, and it is a lively and楽しい sight to behold.
Blessings and Deities
Togoshi Hachiman Shrine is dedicated to the deity Hachiman, the god of war and archery. Hachiman is one of the most important deities in the Shinto religion, and he is revered by many people in Japan. Hachiman is said to bring blessings of victory, success, and protection.
- Deity: Hachiman, the god of war and archery
- Blessings: Victory, success, and protection
Origin and History
The origins of Togoshi Hachiman Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the 16th century. The shrine was originally located in a different part of Togoshi, but it was moved to its current location in 1857. The shrine was destroyed by fire in 1945, but it was rebuilt in 1951.
- Founded: 16th century
- Moved to current location: 1857
- Destroyed by fire: 1945
- Rebuilt: 1951
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to Togoshi Hachiman Shrine:
- The shrine is open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Admission is free.
- There is a small parking lot at the shrine, but it is often full. It is recommended to use public transportation or park in a nearby parking lot.
- The shrine is a popular spot for weddings and other ceremonies. If you are visiting during a weekend or holiday, it is best to arrive early to avoid crowds.
- There are several restaurants and shops in the area around the shrine. You can also find souvenirs and other items for sale at the shrine itself.
Parking Information
There is a small parking lot at Togoshi Hachiman Shrine, but it is often full. It is recommended to use public transportation or park in a nearby parking lot.
- Parking lot: Small, often full
- Recommended: Use public transportation or park in a nearby parking lot
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. |