Gleaming lights dance at Takanawa Shrine’s festival
Basic Information
Takanawa Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the Takanawa district of Minato, Tokyo, Japan.
- Address: 2-14-18 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0074
- Phone Number: 03-3441-2719
- Access: 7-minute walk from JR Shinagawa Station, 3-minute walk from Toei Asakusa Line泉岳寺 Station
- Festival Days: September 10th, 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Takanawa Shrine Festival is an annual event that takes place on September 10th. The festival features a variety of events and attractions, including:
Mikoshi Procession
The highlight of the festival is the mikoshi procession. A mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets by a group of people. The Takanawa Shrine mikoshi is a large and elaborate structure, and it is carried by a team of over 100 people. The procession is a lively and colorful event, and it is a great opportunity to see the local community come together.
Kagura Performance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance that is performed at Shinto shrines. The kagura performance at the Takanawa Shrine Festival is a beautiful and graceful dance that tells the story of the shrine’s founding. The performance is accompanied by traditional Japanese music, and it is a great way to learn about Japanese culture.
Food Stalls
The festival also features a variety of food stalls, where you can buy traditional Japanese food and drinks. 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 a number of stalls selling souvenirs, such as T-shirts, hats, and keychains.
Fireworks Display
The festival concludes with a spectacular fireworks display. The fireworks are launched from a barge in the nearby Shinagawa Canal, and they light up the night sky with their brilliant colors. The fireworks display is a great way to end the festival on a high note.
Blessings and Deities
Takanawa Shrine is dedicated to three deities: Ukanomitama no Kami, the god of food and agriculture; Hoderi no Mikoto, the god of the sea and fishing; and Sarutahiko no Kami, the god of roads and travel. These deities are believed to bring blessings of good harvest, safe travels, and prosperity to the local community.
- Ukanomitama no Kami: God of food and agriculture
- Hoderi no Mikoto: God of the sea and fishing
- Sarutahiko no Kami: God of roads and travel
Origin and History
The origins of Takanawa Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the Muromachi period (1336-1573). The shrine was originally dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and fertility. In the Edo period (1603-1868), the shrine was expanded and the deities Hoderi no Mikoto and Sarutahiko no Kami were added. The shrine was also given its current name, Takanawa Shrine.
- Founded in the Muromachi period (1336-1573)
- Originally dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and fertility
- Expanded in the Edo period (1603-1868)
- Deities Hoderi no Mikoto and Sarutahiko no Kami added
- Given current name, Takanawa Shrine
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to the Takanawa Shrine Festival:
- The festival is held on September 10th every year.
- The festival features a variety of events and attractions, including a mikoshi procession, kagura performance, food stalls, and a fireworks display.
- The festival is a popular event, so it is important to arrive early to avoid crowds.
- The shrine is located a 7-minute walk from JR Shinagawa Station and a 3-minute walk from Toei Asakusa Line 泉岳寺 Station.
- There is a parking lot near the shrine, but it is limited to 10 cars.
Parking Information
There is a parking lot near Takanawa Shrine, but it is limited to 10 cars. If you are driving to the festival, it is recommended to arrive early to secure a parking space. There are also several coin-operated parking lots in the area.
- Parking lot near the shrine: 10 cars
- Coin-operated parking lots in the area
- Arrive early to secure a parking space
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. |
