Yoyogi Hachiman Shrine: A fusion of tradition and modernity
Basic Information
Yoyogi Hachiman Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the god Hachiman, the patron deity of warriors and samurai. The shrine was founded in 1106 and has been a popular place of worship for centuries. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful architecture and its lively festivals.
- Address: 1-1-1 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-0053
- Phone Number: 03-3466-0511
- Access: 5-minute walk from Yoyogi-koen Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line or Odakyu Odawara Line
- Festival Days: September 22nd and 23rd, 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Yoyogi Hachiman Shrine Festival is a lively and colorful event that attracts thousands of visitors each year. The festival features a variety of events and attractions, including:
Mikoshi Procession
The highlight of the festival is the mikoshi procession, which takes place on September 23rd. During the procession, a portable shrine (mikoshi) is carried through the streets of Shibuya by a team of people. The mikoshi is believed to be inhabited by the spirit of the god Hachiman, and it is carried to various locations in the area to bless the people and businesses.
Kagura Performance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance and music performance that is often performed at Shinto shrines. During the Yoyogi Hachiman Shrine Festival, kagura performances are held on both September 22nd and 23rd. The performances are typically held in the shrine’s main hall, and they feature a variety of dances and songs that tell stories from Japanese mythology.
Food and Games
The festival also features a variety of food and games. There are many stalls selling traditional Japanese food, such as yakitori, takoyaki, and okonomiyaki. There are also a number of games and activities for children, such as goldfish scooping and ring toss.
Fireworks Display
The festival concludes with a spectacular fireworks display on the evening of September 23rd. The fireworks are launched from a nearby park, and they can be seen from all over the area. The fireworks display is a beautiful and fitting end to the festival.
Blessings and Deities
Yoyogi Hachiman Shrine is dedicated to the god Hachiman, the patron deity of warriors and samurai. Hachiman is also known as the god of victory, success, and protection. He is often depicted as a warrior wearing armor and carrying a bow and arrow. Hachiman is a popular deity in Japan, and he is worshipped at many shrines throughout the country.
- Blessings: Hachiman is believed to bestow blessings of victory, success, and protection upon his worshippers.
- Deities: Hachiman is the main deity enshrined at Yoyogi Hachiman Shrine. He is accompanied by two other deities: Himegami, the goddess of beauty and fertility, and Ojin Tenno, the emperor who is said to be the incarnation of Hachiman.
Origin and History
Yoyogi Hachiman Shrine was founded in 1106 by Minamoto no Yoshiie, a famous samurai warrior. Yoshiie built the shrine to pray for victory in battle. The shrine was originally located in a different part of Shibuya, but it was moved to its current location in 1607.
- Founder: Minamoto no Yoshiie, a famous samurai warrior.
- Date of Foundation: 1106.
- Purpose: To pray for victory in battle.
- Original Location: A different part of Shibuya.
- Current Location: 1-1-1 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-0053.
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to Yoyogi Hachiman Shrine:
- Dress Code: There is no specific dress code for visiting Yoyogi Hachiman Shrine, but it is considered respectful to dress modestly.
- Photography: Photography is allowed inside the shrine, but it is prohibited to take pictures of the honden (main shrine building).
- Offerings: Visitors can make offerings to the gods at the shrine by purchasing ema (wooden plaques) or omikuji (paper fortunes).
- Festivals: Yoyogi Hachiman Shrine holds several festivals throughout the year, including the Yoyogi Hachiman Shrine Festival in September and the Setsubun Festival in February.
Parking Information
There is no parking lot at Yoyogi Hachiman Shrine. However, there are several coin-operated parking lots in the surrounding area.
- Coin-operated Parking Lots: There are several coin-operated parking lots in the surrounding area.
- Rates: Parking rates vary depending on the 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. |
