Enchanting flames dance at Akiba Shrine’s fire festival
Basic Information
Akiba Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Matsuga-ya, Taitō ward, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the deities of fire, water, and earth, and is known for its annual fire festival, held on November 6th.
- Address: 3-10-7 Matsuga-ya, Taitō ward, Tokyo, Japan
- Phone Number: 03-3844-5748
- Access: 5-minute walk from Inaricho Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, or a 7-minute walk from Iriya Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line
- Festival Days: November 6th, 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The main event of the Akiba Shrine Fire Festival is the fire-walking ceremony, held on the evening of November 6th. During this ceremony, participants walk barefoot across a bed of hot coals, praying for good luck and purification.
Fire-walking Ceremony
The fire-walking ceremony is a highlight of the festival, attracting many participants and spectators. It is believed that walking across the hot coals purifies the body and mind, and brings good luck in the coming year.
- Overview: Participants walk barefoot across a bed of hot coals
- Purpose: Purification of the body and mind,祈願 for good luck
- Benefits: Believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits
Mikoshi Procession
In addition to the fire-walking ceremony, the festival also features a mikoshi procession, where a portable shrine is carried through the streets of the neighborhood. This procession is accompanied by music and dancing, and is a lively and colorful event.
- Overview: Portable shrine is carried through the streets
- Purpose: To bring good luck and prosperity to the community
- Features: Accompanied by music, dancing, and lively atmosphere
Food Stalls and Entertainment
During the festival, there are also a variety of food stalls and entertainment options available. Visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese festival foods, such as yakitori, takoyaki, and cotton candy, as well as live music and performances.
- Overview: Food stalls and entertainment options available
- Food: Traditional Japanese festival foods, such as yakitori, takoyaki, and cotton candy
- Entertainment: Live music, performances, and games
Blessings and Deities
Akiba Shrine is dedicated to three deities: Ho-Musubi-no-Kami, the god of fire; Mizuhame-no-Kami, the god of water; and Hanisan-Hime-no-Kami, the goddess of earth. These deities are believed to bring blessings of fire prevention, water purification, and bountiful harvests.
- Ho-Musubi-no-Kami: God of fire, protector against fire disasters
- Mizuhame-no-Kami: God of water, provider of clean water
- Hanisan-Hime-no-Kami: Goddess of earth, bringer of bountiful harvests
Origin and History
Akiba Shrine was founded in 1870 as a shrine dedicated to fire prevention. At the time, there were frequent fires in Tokyo, and the shrine was built to pray for protection from these disasters. In 1873, the shrine was designated as a Tokyo city shrine, and in 1923, it was renamed Akiba Shrine.
- 1870: Founded as a shrine dedicated to fire prevention
- 1873: Designated as a Tokyo city shrine
- 1923: Renamed Akiba Shrine
Tips and Notes for Visitors
If you plan to visit Akiba Shrine during the fire-walking festival, it is important to wear comfortable shoes and clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty. You may also want to bring a change of clothes in case you get wet from the water used to extinguish the coals.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing
- Bring a change of clothes in case you get wet
- Be respectful of the shrine and its customs
Parking Information
There is limited parking available at Akiba Shrine. If you are driving, it is best to arrive early or use public transportation.
- Limited parking available at the shrine
- Arrive early or use public transportation to avoid parking problems
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. |
