Enchanting lights illuminate the night
Basic Information
I’ll write an overview.
- Address: 1-18-8 Ichinomiya, Tama-shi, Tokyo 206-0002
- Phone Number: 042-338-1151
- Access: 6 minutes walk from Keio Line Seibu Kyuko Line Seisekisakuragaoka Station
- Festival Days: Second Sunday of September
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
I’ll write an overview.
Mikoshi Procession
The highlight of the festival is the Mikoshi Procession, where the portable shrine of Ono Shrine is carried through the streets of Tama City. The Mikoshi is a sacred object believed to house the spirit of the deity enshrined at Ono Shrine. During the procession, participants carry the Mikoshi on their shoulders and parade it through the streets, accompanied by traditional music and dance.
- Overview: A parade of the portable shrine of Ono Shrine through the streets of Tama City
- Significance: The Mikoshi is believed to house the spirit of the deity enshrined at Ono Shrine
- Accompaniments: Traditional music and dance
Kagura Performance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese Shinto ritual dance and music performed at festivals and shrines. During the Ono Shrine Festival, Kagura performances are held as an offering to the deity enshrined at the shrine. The dance is accompanied by traditional music played on instruments such as the taiko (drum), fue (flute), and koto (Japanese harp).
- Overview: A traditional Japanese Shinto ritual dance and music performed at Ono Shrine
- Significance: An offering to the deity enshrined at the shrine
- Accompaniments: Traditional music played on instruments such as the taiko, fue, and koto
Food Stalls
During the festival, various food stalls are set up around the shrine grounds, offering a wide range of Japanese festival food. Visitors can enjoy traditional dishes such as yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), takoyaki (octopus balls), and taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes filled with sweet red bean paste). There are also stalls selling souvenirs and crafts related to Ono Shrine and the festival.
- Overview: A variety of food stalls offering Japanese festival food
- Examples of food: Yakitori, takoyaki, taiyaki
- Other stalls: Souvenirs and crafts related to Ono Shrine and the festival
Blessings and Deities
Ono Shrine is dedicated to the deities Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess and the most important deity in the Shinto pantheon, and Ukanomitama no Mikoto, the god of food and agriculture. Amaterasu Omikami is revered as the ancestral deity of the Japanese imperial family and is believed to bring blessings of prosperity, good health, and success. Ukanomitama no Mikoto is worshipped for bountiful harvests, plentiful food, and a stable livelihood.
- Amaterasu Omikami: Sun goddess and the most important deity in Shinto
- Blessings: Prosperity, good health, success
- Ukanomitama no Mikoto: God of food and agriculture
- Blessings: Bountiful harvests, plentiful food, stable livelihood
Origin and History
The origins of Ono Shrine are shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to have been founded over 1,500 years ago. According to legend, the shrine was established by the legendary emperor Jimmu, the first emperor of Japan. Jimmu is said to have prayed at Ono Shrine before embarking on his journey to unify Japan. Throughout history, Ono Shrine has been revered as a sacred place and has attracted many worshippers, including members of the imperial family and prominent historical figures.
- Legendary founder: Emperor Jimmu, the first emperor of Japan
- Purpose: Jimmu prayed at Ono Shrine before unifying Japan
- Historical significance: Revered as a sacred place and visited by prominent figures
Tips and Notes for Visitors
If you plan to visit Ono Shrine during the festival, here are some tips and notes to make your experience more enjoyable:
- Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially if you want to get a good spot to view the Mikoshi Procession.
- Wear comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking.
- Bring a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
- Stay hydrated by bringing a water bottle or purchasing drinks from the food stalls.
- Be respectful of the shrine and its customs. Remove your shoes before entering the main shrine building and avoid talking loudly.
- If you want to take photos, be sure to ask permission before taking pictures of people.
Parking Information
There is limited parking available at Ono Shrine. If you are driving, it is recommended to arrive early to secure a parking spot. Alternatively, you can use public transportation to get to the shrine. The nearest station is Seibu Kyuko Line Seibu Kyuko Line Seisekisakuragaoka Station, which is a 6-minute walk from the shrine.
- Limited parking available at Ono Shrine
- Arrive early to secure a parking spot
- Public transportation recommended: Seibu Kyuko Line Seibu Kyuko Line Seisekisakuragaoka Station (6-minute walk from 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. |