Gleaming lanterns, vibrant parade, divine blessings
Basic Information
Yasaka Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Hino, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the deity Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the god of wind and rain.
- Address: 3-14-12 Hinohoncho, Hino-shi, Tokyo 191-0011
- Phone Number: 042-581-1175
- Access: 3-minute walk from Hino Station on the JR Chuo Line
- Festival Days: Mid-September (Saturday and Sunday), 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Yasaka Shrine Festival is a lively and colorful event that attracts many visitors each year. The main events and attractions of the festival include:
Mikoshi Procession
One of the highlights of the festival is the mikoshi procession, where a portable shrine is carried through the streets of Hino. The mikoshi is decorated with colorful tapestries and streamers, and it is carried by a team of people. The procession is accompanied by music and dancing, and it is a great opportunity to experience the vibrant atmosphere of the festival.
Kagura Performance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance that is often performed at Shinto shrines. During the Yasaka Shrine Festival, kagura performances are held several times a day. The dances are performed by young women dressed in elaborate costumes, and they tell stories from Japanese mythology.
Food Stalls
No Japanese festival is complete without food stalls, and the Yasaka Shrine Festival is no exception. There are many food stalls set up around the shrine, selling a variety of delicious treats. Some of the most popular foods include yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), takoyaki (octopus balls), and kakigori (shaved ice with syrup).
Games and Activities
There are also a number of games and activities for children at the festival. These include things like ring toss, beanbag toss, and goldfish scooping. There is also a petting zoo where children can interact with animals such as rabbits and goats.
Blessings and Deities
Yasaka Shrine is dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the god of wind and rain. He is also known as the god of the sea, agriculture, and protection against evil. Susanoo-no-Mikoto is a powerful and important deity in Japanese mythology, and he is revered by many people.
- Deity: Susanoo-no-Mikoto
- Blessings: Wind, rain, sea, agriculture, protection against evil
Origin and History
The origins of Yasaka Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the 9th century. The shrine was originally located in a different part of Hino, but it was moved to its current location in 1570. Yasaka Shrine has a long and rich history, and it has been visited by many famous people over the years, including the samurai warlord Tokugawa Ieyasu.
- Founded: 9th century
- Moved to current location: 1570
- Famous visitors: Tokugawa Ieyasu
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to Yasaka Shrine:
- The shrine is open every day from 9am to 5pm.
- Admission is free.
- There is a parking lot available for visitors.
- The shrine is a popular tourist destination, so it can be crowded at times.
- If you are visiting during a festival, be sure to check the schedule of events in advance.
Parking Information
There is a parking lot available for visitors to Yasaka Shrine. The parking lot is located a short walk from the shrine.
- Location: A short walk from the shrine
- Fees: Free
- Hours: 9am to 5pm
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. |
