太子堂八幡 Shrine: A fusion of tradition and modernity

Basic Information

太子堂八幡 Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the god Hachiman, the patron deity of warriors and samurai.

• Address: 5-23-4 Taishido, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 154-0004
• Phone Number: 03-3411-0753
• Access: 5-minute walk from Nishi-太子堂 Station on the Tokyu Tamagawa Line
• Festival Days: Second Sunday of October and the preceding day

Main Events and Attractions of the Festival

The Taishido Hachiman Shrine Festival is a two-day festival held annually on the second Sunday of October and the preceding day. The festival features a variety of events and attractions, including:

Mikoshi Procession

On the second day of the festival, a mikoshi (portable shrine) procession takes place. The mikoshi is carried through the streets of the neighborhood, accompanied by music and dancing. Participants in the procession wear traditional Japanese clothing, and the atmosphere is lively and festive.

Yatai (Food Stalls)

During the festival, yatai (food stalls) line the streets around the shrine. These stalls sell a variety of traditional Japanese foods, such as yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), takoyaki (octopus balls), and taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes filled with sweet bean paste). There are also a number of games and activities for children, such as goldfish scooping and ring toss.

Kagura Performances

Kagura is a traditional Japanese performing art that combines music, dance, and storytelling. During the Taishido Hachiman Shrine Festival, kagura performances are held at the shrine’s honden (main building). These performances are a highlight of the festival and offer a glimpse into Japanese culture and history.

Fireworks Display

On the evening of the second day of the festival, a fireworks display is held at the shrine. The fireworks light up the night sky and provide a spectacular finale to the festival.

Blessings and Deities

太子堂八幡 Shrine is dedicated to the god Hachiman, the patron deity of warriors and samurai. Hachiman is also revered as a god of agriculture, commerce, and protection against evil.

• Blessings: Hachiman is believed to bestow blessings of victory, success, and protection upon his worshippers.
• Deities: In addition to Hachiman, the shrine also enshrines the deities Amaterasu Omikami, Susanoo no Mikoto, and Inari Okami.

Origin and History

The origins of 太子堂八幡 Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the Heian period (794-1185). The shrine was originally located in a different part of Setagaya Ward, but it was moved to its current location in 1603.

• Heian period (794-1185): Founding of the shrine.
• 1603: Shrine moved to its current location.
• 1868: Meiji Restoration. The shrine is designated as a village shrine.
• 1923: Great Kanto Earthquake. The shrine is damaged, but it is later rebuilt.
• 1945: World War II. The shrine is damaged again, but it is later rebuilt.

Tips and Notes for Visitors

Here are some tips and notes for visitors to 太子堂八幡 Shrine:

• Festival: The shrine’s annual festival is held on the second Sunday of October and the preceding day. The festival features a mikoshi procession, yatai (food stalls), kagura performances, and a fireworks display.
• Access: The shrine is a 5-minute walk from Nishi-太子堂 Station on the Tokyu Tamagawa Line.
• Hours: The shrine is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Admission: Admission to the shrine is free.
• Photography: Photography is permitted within the shrine grounds.

Parking Information

There is no parking lot at 太子堂八幡 Shrine. However, there are several coin-operated parking lots in the vicinity of the shrine.

• Coin-operated parking lot: 3-minute walk from the shrine. 200 yen per 30 minutes.
• Coin-operated parking lot: 5-minute walk from the shrine. 250 yen per 30 minutes.

Popular Stalls and Food Carts in Recent Years