Divine illumination at Hikawa Shrine
Basic Information
Hikawa Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Nakano Ward, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the god Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the god of storms and the sea.
- Address: 1-11-1 Higashinakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo 164-0003
- Phone Number: 03-3361-2465
- Access: 5-minute walk from Higashi-Nakano Station on the JR Sobu Line or Toei Oedo Line, or 5-minute walk from Nakano-sakaue Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line or Toei Oedo Line
- Festival Days: September 15th, 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Hikawa 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. A mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets by a team of people. The mikoshi of Hikawa Shrine is particularly large and impressive, and it is carried by a team of over 100 people. The procession is accompanied by music and dancing, and it creates a festive atmosphere in the streets of Nakano.
Kagura Performance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance that is performed at Shinto shrines. During the Hikawa Shrine Festival, kagura is performed by a group of young women who are dressed in colorful costumes. The dance is accompanied by music and singing, and it tells the story of the god Susanoo-no-Mikoto.
Food Stalls
No Japanese festival is complete without food stalls! At the Hikawa Shrine Festival, there are many food stalls that sell a variety of delicious treats. Some of the most popular foods include yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), takoyaki (octopus balls), and taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes filled with sweet bean paste).
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, goats, and sheep.
- Mikoshi Procession: A lively parade featuring a large portable shrine carried by over 100 people.
- Kagura Performance: A traditional Japanese dance performed by young women in colorful costumes.
- Food Stalls: A variety of food stalls selling delicious treats such as yakitori, takoyaki, and taiyaki.
- Games and Activities: Fun games and activities for children, such as ring toss, beanbag toss, goldfish scooping, and a petting zoo.
Blessings and Deities
Hikawa Shrine is dedicated to the god Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the god of storms and the sea. Susanoo-no-Mikoto is a powerful and complex deity who is known for both his violent temper and his heroic deeds. He is also the father of the god Ōkuninushi, who is the god of nation-building and agriculture.
- Susanoo-no-Mikoto: The god of storms and the sea, known for his violent temper and heroic deeds.
- Ōkuninushi: The god of nation-building and agriculture, son of Susanoo-no-Mikoto.
Origin and History
The origins of Hikawa Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the 11th century. The shrine was originally located in a different part of Nakano, but it was moved to its current location in 1624. The shrine was destroyed by fire in 1868, but it was rebuilt in 1872.
- Founded: 11th century
- Moved to current location: 1624
- Destroyed by fire: 1868
- Rebuilt: 1872
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to Hikawa Shrine:
- Festival Dates: September 15th, 2024
- Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Admission: Free
- Access: 5-minute walk from Higashi-Nakano Station on the JR Sobu Line or Toei Oedo Line, or 5-minute walk from Nakano-sakaue Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line or Toei Oedo Line
- Things to see and do: Visit the main shrine building, see the mikoshi procession, watch the kagura performance, enjoy the food stalls, and play games and activities.
Parking Information
There is no parking lot at Hikawa Shrine. However, there are several coin-operated parking lots in the surrounding area.
- Coin-operated parking lots: Available in the surrounding area
- Rates: Vary depending on the parking lot
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. |
