Enchanting lights illuminate the night at Mikawa Inari Shrine
Basic Information
Mikawa Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the Bunkyo district of Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the deity Ukanomitama-no-Mikoto, the god of rice and agriculture.
- Address: 2-20-5, Hongou, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033
- Phone Number: 03-3815-6816
- Access: 5-minute walk from Hongo-sanchome Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line or Toei Oedo Line, or a 5-minute walk from Suidobashi Station on the JR Sobu Line or Toei Mita Line
- Festival Days: First Saturday and Sunday in June
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Mikawa Inari 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
A highlight of the festival is the mikoshi procession, where a portable shrine is carried through the streets of the Bunkyo district. The mikoshi is decorated with colorful tapestries and streamers, and it is carried by a team of people who chant and sing as they walk. The procession is a lively and festive sight, and it is a great opportunity to experience Japanese culture and tradition.
Kagura Performance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance and music performance that is often performed at Shinto shrines. During the Mikawa Inari Shrine Festival, kagura performances are held several times a day. The performances are typically accompanied by drums, flutes, and other traditional Japanese instruments. Kagura is a beautiful and graceful art form, and it is a great way to learn more about Japanese culture.
Food Stalls
No Japanese festival is complete without food stalls! At the Mikawa Inari Shrine Festival, there will be a variety of food stalls selling everything from traditional Japanese dishes to international cuisine. There will also be plenty of drinks available, including beer, sake, and soft drinks.
Games and Activities
There will also be a variety of games and activities for people of all ages to enjoy at the festival. These include traditional Japanese games like ring toss and goldfish scooping, as well as more modern games like face painting and balloon animals. There will also be a petting zoo and a bouncy castle for the kids.
Blessings and Deities
Mikawa Inari Shrine is dedicated to the deity Ukanomitama-no-Mikoto, the god of rice and agriculture. Ukanomitama-no-Mikoto is also known as Inari, and is one of the most popular deities in Japan. Inari is often depicted as a white fox, and foxes are considered to be Inari’s messengers. Mikawa Inari Shrine is a popular place for people to pray for good harvests, business success, and prosperity.
- Deity: Ukanomitama-no-Mikoto (Inari)
- Blessings: Good harvests, business success, prosperity
- Symbol: White fox
Origin and History
Mikawa Inari Shrine was founded in 1590 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. Ieyasu was a devout follower of Inari, and he believed that Inari had helped him to victory in battle. After Ieyasu became shogun, he ordered the construction of Mikawa Inari Shrine as a way to thank Inari for his support. The shrine was originally located in the Hongo district of Tokyo, but it was moved to its current location in the Bunkyo district in 1893.
- Founder: Tokugawa Ieyasu
- Year of Foundation: 1590
- Original Location: Hongo district, Tokyo
- Current Location: Bunkyo district, Tokyo
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Mikawa Inari Shrine is a popular tourist destination, and it is especially crowded during the annual festival in June. If you are planning to visit the shrine, here are a few tips:
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
- Bring a camera to capture the beautiful scenery and architecture of the shrine.
- Be respectful of the shrine and its visitors. This means speaking quietly and refraining from taking photos inside the main hall.
- If you are visiting during the festival, be prepared for large crowds and long lines.
Parking Information
There is no parking lot at Mikawa Inari Shrine, but there are several public parking lots nearby. The closest parking lot is the Hongo Bunkyo Parking Lot, which is located a 5-minute walk from the shrine. The parking lot has a capacity of 100 cars, and it is open 24 hours a day.
- Hongo Bunkyo Parking Lot
- Address: 2-19-13 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
- Capacity: 100 cars
- Hours: 24 hours a 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. |
