Enchanting Shrine Festival in Musashino
Basic Information
Here’s an overview of Musash: 1-1-23 Higashimachi, Kichijoji, Musashino-shi, Tokyo 180-0002
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Musashino八幡宮 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
The Mikoshi Procession is the highlight of the festival. Eleven mikoshi (portable shrines) are carried through the streets of Kichijoji by teams of people. The mikoshi are elaborately decorated and weigh several hundred kilograms. The procession is a colorful and lively sight, and it’s a great opportunity to experience the energy and excitement of the festival.
Shishimai Dance
The Shishimai Dance is a traditional Japanese lion dance that is performed at many festivals. At the Musashino八幡宮 festival, the Shishimai Dance is performed by a team of dancers wearing lion costumes. The dancers perform a lively and energetic dance, and they often interact with the crowd. The Shishimai Dance is a fun and entertaining performance that is sure to please people of all ages.
Yatai (Food Stalls)
No Japanese festival is complete without yatai (food stalls)! At the Musashino八幡宮 festival, there will be a wide variety of yatai selling everything from traditional Japanese dishes to international cuisine. You can also find a variety of souvenirs and crafts at the yatai.
Benefits and Deities
The Musashino八幡宮 festival is a great opportunity to learn about Japanese culture and traditions. The festival is also a time to pray for good luck and prosperity in the coming year. The main deities of the Musashino八幡宮 are:
- Hondawake no Mikoto
- Himegami
- Oomitama no Mikoto
These deities are associated with good luck, prosperity, and fertility.
festival is a Shinto festival that is held annually to pray for good luck and prosperity in the coming year. The main deities of the Musashino八幡宮 are:
- Hondawake no Mikoto: The god of war and victory
- Himegami: The goddess of beauty and fertility
- Oomitama no Mikoto: The god of agriculture and industry
These deities are all associated with good fortune and prosperity, and people pray to them for success in their personal and professional lives.
Origin and History
The Musashino八幡宮 festival is believed to have originated in the 8th century, when the Japanese emperor Kanmu ordered the construction of a shrine to Hachiman, the god of war. The shrine was built in the Kichijoji area of Musashino City, and it has been a popular place of worship ever since.
The Musashino八幡宮 festival is held annually on November 4th, 16th, and 28th. These dates are significant because they are associated with the harvest and the changing of the seasons. The festival is a time for people to come together and celebrate the bounty of the harvest and to pray for good luck in the coming year.
Tips and Notes for Visitors
If you are planning to attend the Musashino八幡宮 festival, here are a few tips and notes to keep in mind:
- The festival is very popular, so it is important to arrive early to avoid crowds.
- The festival grounds are large, so wear comfortable shoes.
- There will be a variety of food and drink available for purchase at the festival.
- The festival is a family-friendly event, so children are welcome.
- The festival is held rain or shine.
Parking Information
There is limited parking available at the Musashino八幡宮. If you are driving to the festival, it is recommended that you arrive early to find a parking spot.
There are also several public transportation options available. The festival is a 10-minute walk from Kichijoji Station on the JR Chuo Line, Sobu Line, Keio Inokashira Line, and Tokyo Metro Tozai Line.
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. |
