Enchanting lights illuminate the night, a spectacle not to be missed.
Basic Information
Kasama Inari Shrine Tokyo Betsu-sha is a Shinto shrine located in the Nihonbashi Hamacho district of Chuo Ward, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the deity Ukanomitama-no-Mikoto, the god of rice and agriculture.
- Address: 2-11-6 Nihonbashi Hamacho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0007
- Phone Number: 03-3666-7498
- Access: 5-minute walk from人形町駅 (Ningyocho Station) on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line or Toei Asakusa Line, or a 3-minute walk from浜町駅 (Hamacho Station) on the Toei Shinjuku Line.
- Festival Days: November 15th, 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Kasama Inari Shrine Tokyo Betsu-sha festival is a lively and colorful event that attracts many visitors each year. The main events and attractions of the festival include:
Mikoshi Procession
A highlight of the festival is the mikoshi procession, where a portable shrine is carried through the streets of the Nihonbashi district. The mikoshi is decorated with colorful tapestries and streamers, and it is carried by a team of people. The procession is accompanied by music and dancing, and it creates a festive atmosphere.
Kagura Performance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance and music performance that is often performed at Shinto shrines. During the Kasama Inari Shrine Tokyo Betsu-sha festival, kagura performances are held on a stage in front of the shrine. The performances are very colorful and lively, and they tell stories from Japanese mythology.
Food Stalls
There are many food stalls at the Kasama Inari Shrine Tokyo Betsu-sha festival, selling a variety of delicious Japanese food. Some of the most popular foods include yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), takoyaki (octopus balls), and taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes filled with sweet bean paste). There are also many stalls selling souvenirs and crafts.
Fireworks Display
The Kasama Inari Shrine Tokyo Betsu-sha festival concludes with a spectacular fireworks display. The fireworks are launched from a barge in the Sumida River, and they light up the night sky with their brilliant colors. The fireworks display is a fitting end to a lively and enjoyable festival.
Blessings and Deities
Kasama Inari Shrine Tokyo Betsu-sha is dedicated to the deity Ukanomitama-no-Mikoto, the god of rice and agriculture. Ukanomitama-no-Mikoto is also known as Inari, and is one of the most popular deities in Japan. Inari is often depicted as an old man with a long white beard, riding a white fox. Inari is said to bring good fortune and prosperity to those who worship him, and is also associated with fertility and abundance.
- Deity: Ukanomitama-no-Mikoto (Inari)
- Benefits: Good fortune, prosperity, fertility, abundance
Origin and History
The Kasama Inari Shrine Tokyo Betsu-sha was founded in 1859 by Makino Sadanao, the 8th lord of the Kasama Domain. Makino Sadanao was a devout follower of Inari, and he built the shrine as a place to worship the deity. The shrine was originally located within the Makino family’s Edo residence, but it was moved to its current location in 1888.
- Founder: Makino Sadanao
- Year of Foundation: 1859
- Original Location: Makino family’s Edo residence
- Current Location: 2-11-6 Nihonbashi Hamacho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0007
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to the Kasama Inari Shrine Tokyo Betsu-sha:
- The shrine is open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Admission is free.
- The shrine is a popular tourist destination, so it can be crowded during peak times.
- There is a small gift shop at the shrine where you can purchase souvenirs and amulets.
- The shrine is located in a busy area of Tokyo, so it is best to arrive by public transportation.
Parking Information
There is no parking lot at the Kasama Inari Shrine Tokyo Betsu-sha. However, there are several public parking lots nearby.
- Times Nihonbashi Hamacho Dai-11 Parking Lot
- Address: 2-11-1 Nihonbashi Hamacho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0007
- Hours: 24 hours
- Rates: 300 yen per 30 minutes
- Mitsui’s RePark Nihonbashi Hamacho Parking Lot
- Address: 2-10-1 Nihonbashi Hamacho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0007
- Hours: 24 hours
- Rates: 350 yen per 30 minutes
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. |
