Enchanting lights dance at the Konno Hachimangu Festival
Basic Information
Konno Hachimangu Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the god Hachiman, the god of war and archery.
- Address: 3-5-12 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0002
- Phone Number: 03-3407-1811
- Access: 5-minute walk from Shibuya Station (JR, Tokyo Metro, Tokyu, Keio Inokashira Line)
- Festival Days: September 14th (Thu) – 17th (Sun), 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Konno Hachimangu 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 14 portable shrines are carried through the streets of Shibuya by local residents. The mikoshi are elaborately decorated and weigh several hundred kilograms. The procession is a spectacle of color and sound, and it is a chance to experience the vibrant energy of Japanese festivals.
Kagura Performance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese Shinto dance and music performance. During the festival, kagura performances are held at the shrine several times a day. The performances are a beautiful and graceful way to learn about Japanese culture and history.
Food Stalls
No Japanese festival is complete without food stalls! At the Konno Hachimangu Shrine Festival, there will be a variety of food stalls selling everything from traditional Japanese dishes to international cuisine. There will also be plenty of drinks available, including beer, sake, and soft drinks.
Games and Activities
There will also be a variety of games and activities for children and adults to enjoy at the 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
Konno Hachimangu Shrine is dedicated to the god Hachiman, the god of war and archery. Hachiman is also revered as a protector of the nation and a bringer of good fortune. People pray to Hachiman for success in battle, victory over enemies, and protection from harm.
- Hachiman: God of war and archery, protector of the nation, bringer of good fortune
- Other Deities: Konjin (god of fire), Tenjin (god of scholarship), Inari (god of rice and fertility)
Origin and History
The origins of Konno Hachimangu Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the 11th century. The shrine was originally located in what is now the Shibuya district of Tokyo, but it was moved to its current location in 1612.
- Founded: 11th century
- Original Location: Shibuya district of Tokyo
- Current Location: 3-5-12 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0002
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to the Konno Hachimangu Shrine Festival:
- Wear comfortable shoes: You will be doing a lot of walking during the festival.
- Bring cash: Many of the food and game stalls at the festival only accept cash.
- Be prepared for crowds: The festival is very popular, so be prepared for large crowds.
- Be respectful: The shrine is a sacred place, so be respectful of the other visitors and the shrine staff.
Parking Information
There is no parking lot at the Konno Hachimangu Shrine. However, there are several public parking lots nearby.
- Shibuya Parking Garage: 1-23-15 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0002
- Aoyama Parking Garage: 3-1-1 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0061
- Omotesando Parking Garage: 5-1-1 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001
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. |
