Enchanting shrine festival with vibrant cherry blossoms and stone tablets
Basic Information
Himawari Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the Meguro ward of Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the deity Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess in Japanese mythology.
- Address: 3-7-3 Himonya, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
- Phone Number: 03-3717-6412
- Access: A 20-minute walk from Todaimae Station on the Tokyu Toyoko Line or Nishi-Ogikubo Station on the Tokyu Meguro Line
- Festival Days: September 15th and 16th, 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Himonya Hachiman Shrine Festival is a lively and colorful event that attracts many 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 the second day of the festival. A mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets by a team of people. The Himonya Hachiman Shrine mikoshi is particularly large and impressive, and it is carried by a team of over 100 people.
Lion Dance
Another popular attraction at the festival is the lion dance. The lion dance is performed by a team of dancers who wear colorful lion costumes. The dancers perform a variety of acrobatic tricks and stunts, and they often interact with the crowd.
Food Stalls
The festival also features a variety of food stalls, where visitors can enjoy a variety of Japanese festival foods, such as takoyaki, yakisoba, and cotton candy. There are also a number of stalls selling souvenirs and crafts.
Performances
In addition to the mikoshi procession, lion dance, and food stalls, the festival also features a variety of performances, such as traditional Japanese music and dance performances. There is also a children’s area with games and activities.
- Mikoshi Procession: A lively parade featuring a large and impressive mikoshi carried by over 100 people.
- Lion Dance: A captivating performance by dancers in colorful lion costumes, showcasing acrobatic tricks and interacting with the crowd.
- Food Stalls: A wide selection of Japanese festival foods, including takoyaki, yakisoba, and cotton candy, along with souvenir and craft stalls.
- Performances: Traditional Japanese music and dance performances, as well as a children’s area with games and activities.
Blessings and Deities
The Himonya Hachiman Shrine is dedicated to the deity Hachiman, the god of war and patron deity of the Minamoto clan. Hachiman is revered for his bravery, strength, and protection, and is often worshipped by samurai and warriors.
- Hachiman: The deity of war and patron deity of the Minamoto clan, revered for bravery, strength, and protection.
- Blessings: Hachiman is believed to bestow blessings of victory, success, and protection in battle, as well as general good fortune and prosperity.
Origin and History
The exact origins of the Himonya Hachiman Shrine are unknown, but it is believed to have been founded in the Kamakura period (1185-1333). The shrine was originally located in a different part of Meguro, but it was moved to its current location in 1674.
- Establishment: Believed to have been founded in the Kamakura period (1185-1333).
- Relocation: Moved to its current location in 1674.
Tips and Notes for Visitors
If you plan to visit the Himonya Hachiman Shrine during the festival, here are a few tips and notes to keep in mind:
- Festival Dates: The festival takes place on September 15th and 16th, 2024.
- Crowds: The festival attracts a large number of visitors, so be prepared for crowds.
- Food and Drinks: There will be a variety of food and drink stalls at the festival, so you can enjoy a variety of Japanese festival foods.
- Souvenirs: There will also be a number of stalls selling souvenirs and crafts, so you can take home a memento of your visit.
- Respectful Behavior: Remember to be respectful of the shrine and its surroundings. Avoid loud noises and disruptive behavior.
Parking Information
There is no dedicated parking lot for the Himonya Hachiman Shrine. However, there are a number of coin-operated parking lots in the surrounding area. You can also use public transportation to get to the shrine.
- Parking: No dedicated parking lot, but coin-operated parking lots are available nearby.
- Public Transportation: Accessible by public transportation.
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. |
