荻窪’s divine festival of lights
Basic Information
Here’s an overview of the 2024 Ogiwara Hakusan Shrine Suginami Ward Festival.
- Address: 1-21-7 Kami-Ogi, Suginami-ku, Tokyo
- Phone Number: 03-3398-0517
- Access: 5-minute walk from the west exit of JR/Marunouchi Line Ogikubo Station
- Festival Days: September 7th (Sat) and 8th (Sun), 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The 2024 Ogiwara Hakusan Shrine Suginami Ward Festival offers a variety of exciting events and attractions for visitors of all ages.
Mikoshi Procession
One of the main highlights of the festival is the Mikoshi Procession, where a portable shrine is carried through the streets of Ogikubo by local residents. The procession is accompanied by traditional music and dance, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. Visitors can witness this spectacle and experience the vibrant culture of the area.
Kagura Performance
Another popular attraction is the Kagura Performance, a traditional Japanese dance and music ritual. Performed by skilled Kagura dancers, this sacred dance is believed to bring good fortune and purification. Visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty and spirituality of this ancient art form.
Food Stalls
The festival also features a variety of food stalls offering a wide selection of delicious Japanese cuisine. From classic festival favorites like yakitori and takoyaki to local specialties, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Visitors can indulge in these culinary delights while soaking up the festive atmosphere.
Games and Activities
For those looking for some fun and entertainment, the festival offers a range of games and activities. From traditional games like ring toss and goldfish scooping to more modern attractions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Visitors can test their skills, win prizes, and create lasting memories.
Blessings and Deities
The Ogiwara Hakusan Shrine is dedicated to the deity Izanami-no-Mikoto, the goddess of creation and life. She is believed to bestow blessings of fertility, safe childbirth, and good health. Visitors to the shrine often pray for her protection and guidance in these areas of life.
Origin and History
The origins of the Ogiwara Hakusan Shrine can be traced back to the Muromachi period (1336-1573). It is said that a local lord named Nakata Kaga-no-Kami enshrined five deities (Go-sha-gon-gen) on his estate. Over time, the shrine grew in popularity and became the guardian shrine of the Ogiwara village. In 1919, the shrine was renamed Ogiwara Hakusan Shrine.
Tips and Notes for Visitors
When visiting the Ogiwara Hakusan Shrine, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Dress respectfully: As with all Shinto shrines, visitors are expected to dress respectfully when visiting the Ogiwara Hakusan Shrine. This means avoiding shorts, tank tops, and other casual attire.
- Purify yourself before entering: Before entering the main shrine building, visitors should purify themselves by washing their hands and rinsing their mouths at the water fountain.
- Offer a prayer: To offer a prayer at the shrine, first bow twice, then clap your hands twice, and finally bow once more. You can then make your offering and say a silent prayer.
- Receive a fortune: After praying, you can receive a fortune by shaking a box containing wooden sticks and selecting one. The fortune will be written in Japanese, but there are English translations available.
Parking Information
There is limited parking available at the Ogiwara Hakusan Shrine. Visitors are advised to 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. |
