Gleaming shrine, vibrant festival, captivating history.
Basic Information
Hiraizuka Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Kita Ward, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the three brothers Hachiman Taro Yoshiie, Kamo Jiro Yoshitsuna, and Shinra Saburo Yoshitsune, who are revered as deities of war and victory.
- Address: 1-47-1 Kami-Nakasato, Kita Ward, Tokyo 114-0016
- Phone Number: 03-3910-2860
- Access: 2-minute walk from Kami-Nakasato Station on the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, or a 5-minute walk from Nishigahara Station on the Tokyo Metro南北線
- Festival Days: September 15th, 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Hiraizuka Shrine Festival is an annual event that takes place on September 15th. It is a lively and colorful festival that attracts many visitors from all over Tokyo. The main events and attractions of the festival include:
Mikoshi Procession
The highlight of the festival is the mikoshi procession, where a portable shrine is carried through the streets of the neighborhood. The mikoshi is decorated with elaborate carvings and ornaments, and it is carried by a team of people. The procession is accompanied by music and dancing, and it is a joyous occasion for the entire community.
Kagura Performance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance and music performance that is often performed at Shinto shrines. During the Hiraizuka Shrine Festival, kagura is performed by local performers. The dances are graceful and elegant, and they tell stories from Japanese mythology.
Food Stalls
No Japanese festival is complete without food stalls! At the Hiraizuka Shrine Festival, there will be a variety of food stalls selling everything from traditional Japanese dishes to modern festival favorites. You can find something to suit every taste, and you can enjoy your food while watching the festival activities.
Games and Activities
There will also be a variety of games and activities for children and adults alike. These include traditional Japanese games like ring toss and goldfish scooping, as well as more modern games like face painting and balloon animals. There is something for everyone to enjoy at the Hiraizuka Shrine Festival.
Blessings and Deities
Hiraizuka Shrine is dedicated to three brothers who are revered as deities of war and victory: Hachiman Taro Yoshiie, Kamo Jiro Yoshitsuna, and Shinra Saburo Yoshitsune. Worshippers pray to these deities for success in battle, protection from harm, and victory over their enemies.
- Hachiman Taro Yoshiie: God of war and victory, revered for his military prowess and leadership.
- Kamo Jiro Yoshitsuna: God of war and archery, known for his skill with the bow and arrow.
- Shinra Saburo Yoshitsune: God of war and strategy, famous for his cunning and tactical brilliance.
Origin and History
The origins of Hiraizuka Shrine can be traced back to the late Heian period (794-1185). In 1118, a local lord named Toyoshima Taro Chikayoshi built a castle on the site of the current shrine. When the three brothers Hachiman Taro Yoshiie, Kamo Jiro Yoshitsuna, and Shinra Saburo Yoshitsune were returning from a victorious military campaign, they stopped at Chikayoshi’s castle. Chikayoshi welcomed them with great hospitality, and in gratitude, the brothers gave him a suit of armor and an eleven-faced Kannon statue.
Chikayoshi buried the armor in the ground and built a mound over it. This mound became known as the “Katchuzuka” (Armor Mound), and it is considered to be the origin of Hiraizuka Shrine. Later, Chikayoshi built a shrine on the site to enshrine the three brothers as deities.
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to the Hiraizuka Shrine Festival:
- The festival is held on September 15th every year.
- The main events of the festival are the mikoshi procession, kagura performance, food stalls, and games and activities.
- The festival is a popular event, so it is advisable to arrive early to avoid crowds.
- There is a parking lot near the shrine, but it is limited. It is recommended to use public transportation or park in a nearby parking lot and walk to the shrine.
- The shrine is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission is free.
Parking Information
There is a parking lot near the Hiraizuka Shrine, but it is limited. It is recommended to use public transportation or park in a nearby parking lot and walk to the shrine.
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. |
