Gleaming lights and divine blessings at Takada Sochinju Hikawa Shrine
is a Shinto shrine located in Takada, Toshima Ward, Tokyo, Japan.
- Address: 2-2-18 Takada, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-0033
- Phone Number: 03-3971-8649
- Access: 3-minute walk from the Toden Arakawa Line “Magenbashi” stop, 10-minute walk from the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line “Zoshigaya” station, 3-minute walk from the Seibu Shinjuku Line “Takadanobaba” station
- Festival Days: September 9th (Mon) and 10th (Tue), 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Takada Sochinju Hikawa Shrine Festival is a vibrant and lively event that attracts many visitors each year. The festival features a variety of events and attractions, including:
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 group of people. The mikoshi of the Takada Sochinju Hikawa Shrine is particularly large and impressive, 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 experience the traditional culture of Japan.
Kagura Performance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance and music performance that is often performed at Shinto shrines. During the Takada Sochinju Hikawa Shrine Festival, a kagura performance is held on the shrine grounds. The performance is a beautiful and graceful way to learn about Japanese culture and history.
Food Stalls
No Japanese festival is complete without food stalls! At the Takada Sochinju Hikawa Shrine Festival, there will be a variety of food stalls selling a wide range of delicious Japanese dishes. From classic festival favorites like yakitori and takoyaki to more unique dishes like okonomiyaki and taiyaki, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Games and Activities
In addition to the mikoshi procession, kagura performance, and food stalls, the Takada Sochinju Hikawa Shrine Festival also features a variety of games and activities for visitors of all ages. These include traditional Japanese games like ring toss and goldfish scooping, as well as more modern games like face painting and balloon animals. There is also a petting zoo where children can interact with friendly animals.
Blessings and Deities
The Takada Sochinju Hikawa Shrine is dedicated to three deities: Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Kushinada-hime-no-Mikoto, and Okuninushi-no-Mikoto. Susanoo-no-Mikoto is the god of storms and the sea, Kushinada-hime-no-Mikoto is the goddess of fertility and marriage, and Okuninushi-no-Mikoto is the god of nation-building and agriculture. These three deities are collectively known as the “Three Deities of Takada,” and they are believed to bring blessings of good fortune, prosperity, and happiness to those who worship them.
Origin and History
The Takada Sochinju Hikawa Shrine was founded in the year 859, during the reign of Emperor Seiwa. It is said that the shrine was built on the site of a former Inari shrine, and that the three deities of Takada were enshrined there in order to protect the local people from evil spirits. Over the centuries, the shrine has been rebuilt and renovated several times, but it has always remained an important place of worship for the people of Takada.
Tips and Notes for Visitors
If you are planning to visit the Takada Sochinju Hikawa Shrine, here are a few tips and notes to keep in mind:
- The shrine is open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Admission to the shrine is free.
- There is a small parking lot available for visitors.
- The shrine is a popular destination for weddings and other ceremonies, so it is best to avoid visiting during these times if you are looking for a quiet and peaceful experience.
- The shrine is located in a residential area, so please be respectful of the neighbors when visiting.
Parking Information
There is a small parking lot available for visitors to the Takada Sochinju Hikawa Shrine. The parking lot is located on the north side of the shrine, and it can accommodate up to 20 cars. The parking fee is 500 yen per day.
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. |
