Enchanting lanterns illuminate the night at Ikejiri Inari Shrine
Basic Information
Ikejiri Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Ikejiri, Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and sake.
- Address: 2-34-15 Ikejiri, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 154-0001
- Phone Number: 03-3411-2141
- Access: 5-minute walk from Ikejiri-Ohashi Station on the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line
- Festival Days: Third Sunday of September
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Ikejiri Inari Shrine Festival is a vibrant and lively event that attracts many visitors each year. The festival features a variety of traditional Japanese entertainment and activities, as well as food and drink stalls.
Mikoshi Procession
One of the main highlights of the festival is the mikoshi procession. A mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets by a team of people. The mikoshi is believed to be inhabited by the deity of the shrine, and the procession is a way to show respect and gratitude to the deity.
Kagura Performance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance and music performance that is often performed at Shinto shrines. The dances are typically performed by young women, and they tell stories from Japanese mythology and folklore. The music is played on traditional Japanese instruments, such as the koto and the shamisen.
Food and Drink Stalls
The festival also features a variety of food and drink stalls, where visitors can enjoy a wide range of Japanese delicacies. Some of the most popular foods include yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), takoyaki (octopus balls), and taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes filled with sweet red bean paste).
Other Activities
In addition to the main events listed above, the festival also features a variety of other activities, such as games, rides, and face painting. There is something for everyone to enjoy at the Ikejiri Inari Shrine Festival.
Blessings and Deities
Ikejiri Inari Shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto deity of rice and sake. Inari is also known as the god of fertility, prosperity, and worldly success. The shrine is a popular destination for people who are praying for good fortune in business, good harvests, and safe childbirth.
- Deity: Inari
- Blessings: Fertility, prosperity, worldly success, good fortune in business, good harvests, safe childbirth
Origin and History
The origins of Ikejiri Inari Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the early 17th century. The shrine was originally located in a different part of Setagaya, but it was moved to its current location in 1658. The shrine was destroyed by fire in 1868, but it was rebuilt in 1872.
- Founded: Early 17th century
- Moved to current location: 1658
- Destroyed by fire: 1868
- Rebuilt: 1872
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to Ikejiri Inari Shrine:
- The shrine is open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Admission is free.
- The shrine is a popular destination for weddings and other ceremonies.
- There is a small gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs.
- The shrine is located in a quiet residential neighborhood. Please be respectful of the neighbors.
Parking Information
There is no parking lot at Ikejiri Inari Shrine. However, there are several coin-operated parking lots nearby.
- Ikejiri Parking Lot: 2-30-1 Ikejiri, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
- Setagaya Parking Lot: 2-36-1 Setagaya, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
- Matsubara Parking Lot: 2-40-1 Matsubara, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
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. |
