Enchanting lights illuminate the night at the Hagi-Nakajinja Shrine Festival.
Basic Information
Hagi-Nakajinja Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Ota Ward, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the gods Amaterasu Omikami and Toyoukehime no Okami.
- Address: 1-5-18 Hagi-naka, Ota-ku, Tokyo 144-0047
- Phone Number: 03-3741-0564
- Access: 5 minutes walk from Keikyu Line Kojiya Station
- Festival Days: 4th Saturday and Sunday of August
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Hagi-Nakajinja Shrine Festival is a lively and colorful event that attracts many visitors each year. The festival features a variety of events and attractions, including:
Mikoshi Procession
The highlight of the festival is the mikoshi procession, which takes place on the second day of the festival. A mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets by a team of people. The mikoshi of Hagi-Nakajinja Shrine is particularly large and impressive, and it is carried by a team of over 100 people.
Shishimai Dance
The shishimai dance is a traditional Japanese lion dance that is often performed at festivals. The dance is performed by two people, one wearing a lion head and the other wearing a lion body. The lion dances to the beat of a drum and gong, and it is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.
Yatai Food Stalls
No Japanese festival is complete without yatai, or food stalls. At the Hagi-Nakajinja Shrine Festival, there will be a variety of yatai selling a wide range of food and drinks, from traditional Japanese dishes to modern festival favorites.
- Mikoshi Procession: A parade of portable shrines carried through the streets.
- Shishimai Dance: A traditional lion dance performed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.
- Yatai Food Stalls: Vendors selling a variety of food and drinks, from traditional Japanese dishes to modern festival favorites.
Blessings and Deities
Hagi-Nakajinja Shrine is dedicated to the gods Amaterasu Omikami and Toyoukehime no Okami. Amaterasu Omikami is the sun goddess and the most important deity in the Shinto pantheon. She is revered as the ancestor of the Japanese imperial family and is associated with light, warmth, and life. Toyoukehime no Okami is the goddess of food and agriculture. She is worshipped for her role in providing sustenance and nourishment to the people of Japan.
Origin and History
The origins of Hagi-Nakajinja Shrine are unknown, but it is believed to have been founded during the Edo period (1603-1868). The shrine was originally known as Shinmei-sha, but it was renamed Hagi-Nakajinja Shrine in 1872. The shrine has been rebuilt several times over the years, most recently in 1952 after it was destroyed by fire during World War II.
Tips and Notes for Visitors
When visiting Hagi-Nakajinja Shrine, please be respectful of the following:
- Remove your shoes before entering the main shrine building.
- Do not touch or photograph the sacred objects in the shrine.
- Be quiet and respectful while praying.
- If you are visiting during a festival, be aware of the large crowds and take precautions to avoid getting lost or separated from your group.
Parking Information
There is no parking lot at Hagi-Nakajinja Shrine. Visitors are advised to use public transportation or park in a nearby parking lot and walk to 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. |
