Enchanting Shrine Festival in Tokyo: A Journey Through History and Tradition
Basic Information
Inari Morii Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Sakuragaoka, Setagaya Ward, Tokyo, Japan.
- Address: 2-29-3 Sakuragaoka, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-0051
- Phone Number: 03-3429-0181
- Access: 3-minute walk from Chitose-Funabashi Station on the Odakyu Odawara Line
- Festival Days: Second Saturday and Sunday of October
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Inari Morii 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 group of people. The Inari Morii Shrine mikoshi 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 Sakuragaoka.
Taiko Drum Performance
Another popular attraction at the festival is the taiko drum performance. Taiko drums are large Japanese drums that are played with wooden sticks. The taiko drum performance at the Inari Morii Shrine Festival is very energetic and exciting, and it is sure to get your heart racing.
Food Stalls
No Japanese festival is complete without food stalls! At the Inari Morii Shrine Festival, you will find a wide variety of food stalls selling everything from traditional Japanese dishes to modern festival favorites. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as yakisoba (fried noodles) and takoyaki (octopus balls).
Games and Activities
There are also a number of games and activities for children at the festival. These include traditional Japanese games such as ring toss and goldfish scooping, as well as more modern games like face painting and balloon animals. There is something for everyone at the Inari Morii Shrine Festival!
Blessings and Deities
Inari Morii Shrine is dedicated to Inari Okami, the Shinto deity of rice and sake. Inari Okami is one of the most popular deities in Japan, and is revered for bringing good fortune and prosperity. The shrine is also home to a number of other deities, including Ukanomitama no Mikoto, the deity of food and agriculture, and Sarutahiko Okami, the deity of roads and travel.
- Inari Okami: Deity of rice and sake, brings good fortune and prosperity
- Ukanomitama no Mikoto: Deity of food and agriculture
- Sarutahiko Okami: Deity of roads and travel
Origin and History
The origins of Inari Morii Shrine are unknown, but it is believed to have been founded sometime during the Kamakura period (1185-1333). The shrine was originally located in a different part of Setagaya Ward, but it was moved to its current location in 1624. The shrine has been rebuilt several times over the years, most recently in 1969.
- Founded sometime during the Kamakura period (1185-1333)
- Originally located in a different part of Setagaya Ward
- Moved to its current location in 1624
- Rebuilt several times over the years, most recently in 1969
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to the Inari Morii Shrine Festival:
- The festival is held on the second Saturday and Sunday of October each year.
- The festival is very popular, so it is important to arrive early to avoid crowds.
- There is a large food stall area at the festival, so you can enjoy a variety of Japanese festival foods.
- There are also a number of games and activities for children at the festival.
- The festival is a great opportunity to experience Japanese culture and traditions.
Parking Information
There is no parking lot at Inari Morii Shrine. However, there are a number of coin-operated parking lots in the surrounding area.
- No parking lot at Inari Morii Shrine
- Coin-operated parking lots in the surrounding area
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. |
