Enchanting shrine festival with a history of 380 years

Basic Information

Yasaki Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Matsuga-ya, Taitō ward, Tokyo, Japan. It is a village shrine in the modern Shinto shrine ranking system.

• Address: 2-14-1 Matsuga-ya, Taitō ward, Tokyo
• Phone Number: 03-3844-0652
• Access: 7 minutes on foot from Inari-cho Station or Tawaramachi Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
• Festival Days: June 15th (Sat), 2024 (Reiwa 6)

Main Events and Attractions of the Festival

The Yasaki Inari 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 mikoshi procession is the highlight of the festival. A mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets by a group of people. The Yasaki Inari Shrine mikoshi is a large and elaborate structure, and it is carried by a team of over 100 people. The procession is a lively and energetic event, and it is a great opportunity to see the mikoshi up close.

Shishimai Dance

The shishimai dance is a traditional Japanese dance that is often performed at festivals. The dance is performed by two people, one of whom wears a lion mask and the other of whom plays a drum. The lion mask is very elaborate, and it is said to represent a mythical creature that brings good luck. The shishimai dance is a lively and entertaining performance, and it is a popular attraction at the Yasaki Inari Shrine Festival.

Kagura

Kagura is a traditional Japanese ritual dance that is performed at Shinto shrines. The dance is performed by a group of people, and it is accompanied by music and singing. Kagura is a sacred dance, and it is believed to bring good luck and prosperity. The kagura performance at the Yasaki Inari Shrine Festival is a beautiful and moving experience.

Food and Games

In addition to the main events, the Yasaki Inari Shrine Festival also features a variety of food and games. There are many food stalls selling traditional Japanese festival foods, such as takoyaki, yakisoba, and cotton candy. There are also a number of games, such as ring toss and goldfish scooping. The food and games are a great way to enjoy the festival atmosphere and have some fun.

Blessings and Deities

Yasaki Inari Shrine is dedicated to 倉稲魂命 (Ukanomitama no Mikoto) and 福禄寿 (Fukurokuju). Ukanomitama no Mikoto is the deity of food and agriculture, while Fukurokuju is one of the Seven Gods of Fortune, known for bringing good luck, wealth, and longevity.

• Ukanomitama no Mikoto: Deity of food and agriculture
• Fukurokuju: One of the Seven Gods of Fortune, brings good luck, wealth, and longevity

Origin and History

Yasaki Inari Shrine was founded in 1642 by the third Tokugawa shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu. The shrine was originally built as a guardian shrine for the nearby Asakusa Sanjūsangen-dō, a Buddhist temple that was modeled after the famous Sanjūsangen-dō in Kyoto. The temple was destroyed by fire in 1698, but the shrine was spared and has remained in its current location ever since.

• Founded in 1642 by Tokugawa Iemitsu
• Originally built as a guardian shrine for Asakusa Sanjūsangen-dō
• Temple destroyed by fire in 1698, shrine spared

Tips and Notes for Visitors

Here are some tips and notes for visitors to Yasaki Inari Shrine:

• The shrine is open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
• Admission is free.
• The shrine is a popular tourist destination, so it can be crowded at times.
• There is a small parking lot available for visitors.
• The shrine is located in a residential area, so please be respectful of the neighbors.

Parking Information

There is a small parking lot available for visitors to Yasaki Inari Shrine. The parking lot is located behind the shrine, and it can accommodate about 10 cars. The parking fee is 500 yen per day.

Popular Stalls and Food Carts in Recent Years