Enchanting Shrine Festival in Higashimurayama
Basic Information
Here’s an overview of the 2024 Yasaka Shrine Higashimurayama Eimachi Festival.
- Address: 3-35-1 Sakaemachi, Higashimurayama City,>Access: 5-minute walk north from Hakonegasaki Station on the Seibu Tamako Line, or 5-minute walk west from Kumegawa Station south exit on the Seibu Shinjuku Line
- Festival Days: Saturday, July 13th and Sunday, July 14th, 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Yasaka Shrine Higashimurayama Eimachi Festival is a vibrant and lively event that offers a variety of attractions for visitors of all ages.
Mikoshi Procession
One of the main highlights of the festival is the mikoshi procession. A mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets by groups of people. The mikoshi of Yasaka Shrine is particularly impressive, and it is a sight to behold as it is carried through the streets, accompanied by music and dancing.
Kagura Performance
Another popular attraction at the festival is the kagura performance. Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance that is performed to tell stories from Japanese mythology. The kagura performance at Yasaka Shrine is particularly renowned for its beautiful costumes and elaborate choreography.
Food Stalls
No Japanese festival is complete without food stalls, and the Yasaka Shrine Higashimurayama Eimachi Festival is no exception. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of delicious Japanese foods, including yakitori, takoyaki, and okonomiyaki.
Games and Activities
There are also plenty of games and activities for children at the festival. These include traditional Japanese games such as ring toss and goldfish scooping, as well as more modern games such as face painting and balloon animals.
Blessings and Deities
Yasaka Shrine is dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the Shinto god of storms, seas, and agriculture. He is also known as the god of protection against evil spirits and epidemics. Visitors to the shrine pray for good health, safety, and prosperity.
- Deity: Susanoo-no-Mikoto
- Blessings: Good health, safety, prosperity, protection against evil spirits and epidemics
Origin and History
The origins of Yasaka Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the 13th century. The shrine was originally located in a different part of Higashimurayama City, but it was moved to its current location in 1989. The shrine has been rebuilt several times over the years, most recently in 2019.
- Founded: 13th century
- Original location: Different part of Higashimurayama City
- Current location: 3-35-1 Sakaemachi, Higashimurayama City
- Rebuilt: Several times, most recently in 2019
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to the Yasaka Shrine Higashimurayama Eimachi Festival:
- The festival is held on July 13th and 14th, 2024.
- The festival is open to the public and free to attend.
- The festival is a popular event, so it is recommended to arrive early to avoid crowds.
- There are a variety of food and drink stalls at the festival, so visitors can enjoy a variety of Japanese cuisine.
- There are also a number of games and activities for children at the festival.
Parking Information
There is limited parking available at Yasaka Shrine. Visitors are encouraged to use public transportation or park in nearby parking lots.
- Limited parking available at Yasaka Shrine
- Use public transportation or park in nearby parking lots
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. |
