Enchanting Shrine Festival in Shinagawa
Basic Information
Ebara Jinja Shrine is a historical Shinto shrine located in Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan.
- Address: 2-30-28 Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 140-0001
- Phone Number: 03-3471-3457
- Access: 4-minute walk from Shin-馬場 Station on the Keikyu Line
- Festival Days: June 7th, 8th, and 9th, 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Ebara Jinja Shrine Festival is a vibrant and lively event that attracts many visitors each year. Here are some of the main events and attractions of the festival:
Mikoshi Procession
One of the highlights of the festival is the mikoshi procession. A mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets by a group of people. The mikoshi of Ebara Jinja Shrine is particularly large and impressive, and it is carried by a team of over 100 people. The procession winds its way through the streets of Shinagawa, accompanied by music and dancing.
Kagura Performance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance and music performance that is often performed at Shinto shrines. During the Ebara Jinja Shrine Festival, kagura performances are held several times a day. The performances are a beautiful and moving way to learn about Japanese culture and tradition.
Food Stalls
No Japanese festival is complete without food stalls! At the Ebara Jinja Shrine Festival, there are many food stalls selling a variety of delicious treats. From classic festival foods like yakitori and takoyaki to more unique dishes, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Games and Activities
In addition to the main events, there are also a number of games and activities for visitors to enjoy at the Ebara Jinja Shrine Festival. 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
Ebara Jinja Shrine is dedicated to a number of deities, including:
- Takao Kami: The god of agriculture, fishing, navigation, brewing, and production.
- Amaterasu Omikami: The goddess of the sun and the most important deity in the Shinto pantheon.
- Susanoo no Mikoto: The god of storms, the sea, and agriculture.
- Toyouke no Mikoto: The goddess of food and agriculture.
- Handa no Mikoto: The god of good fortune and wealth.
Visitors to the shrine can pray to these deities for blessings in a variety of areas, including good health, good fortune, and success in business.
Origin and History
The origins of Ebara Jinja Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the 8th century. The shrine was originally located in a different part of Shinagawa, but it was moved to its current location in the 17th century.
Ebara Jinja Shrine has a long and rich history. It has been visited by many famous people over the years, including the Tokugawa shoguns and the Emperor Meiji. The shrine has also been featured in a number of works of art and literature.
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are a few tips and notes for visitors to Ebara Jinja Shrine:
- The shrine is open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Admission to the shrine is free.
- There is a small museum on the shrine grounds that houses a collection of artifacts related to the shrine’s history.
- The shrine is a popular spot for weddings and other ceremonies.
- There are a number of restaurants and shops in the area surrounding the shrine.
Parking Information
There is a small parking lot on the shrine grounds, but it is often full. There are also a number of public parking lots in the area.
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. |
