Enchanting Shrine Festival in Okutama
Basic Information
Ogochi Jinja Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Okutama-machi, Nishitama-gun, Tokyo.
- Address: 149 Kawauchi, Okutama-machi, Nishitama-gun, Tokyo
- Phone Number: 0428-86-2247
- Access: Take the Nishi Tokyo Bus from Okutama Station to Koza Jinja bus stop, then walk for 5 minutes.
- Festival Days: Second Sunday of September
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Ogochi Jinja Shrine Festival is a vibrant and lively 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 mikoshi of Ogochi Jinja 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 town.
Kagura Performance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance that is often performed at Shinto shrines. During the Ogochi Jinja Shrine Festival, a kagura performance is held on the shrine grounds. The dance is performed by a group of young women, and it tells the story of the shrine’s founding. The kagura performance is a beautiful and graceful sight, and it is a highlight of the festival.
Food Stalls
No Japanese festival is complete without food stalls! During the Ogochi Jinja Shrine Festival, there are many food stalls set up around the shrine grounds. These stalls sell a variety of traditional Japanese foods, such as yakitori, takoyaki, and okonomiyaki. There are also stalls selling souvenirs and crafts.
Fireworks Display
The Ogochi Jinja Shrine Festival concludes with a spectacular fireworks display. The fireworks are launched from a nearby hill, and they light up the night sky with their brilliant colors. The fireworks display is a fitting end to a wonderful festival.
Blessings and Deities
Ogochi Jinja Shrine is dedicated to nine deities, including Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess, and Susanoo no Mikoto, the god of storms and the sea. These deities are believed to bring blessings of good fortune, prosperity, and protection to those who worship them.
- Amaterasu Omikami: Goddess of the sun, brings blessings of light, warmth, and life.
- Susanoo no Mikoto: God of storms and the sea, brings blessings of protection against natural disasters and evil spirits.
- Other Deities: Various deities associated with agriculture, industry, and good fortune.
Origin and History
The origins of Ogochi Jinja Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the early Heian period (794-1185). The shrine was originally located in the village of Ogochi, but it was relocated to its current location in 1955 due to the construction of the Ogouchi Dam.
- Early Heian Period (794-1185): Possible founding of the shrine.
- 1955: Relocation of the shrine to its current location.
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to the Ogochi Jinja Shrine Festival:
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
- Bring a camera to capture the beautiful sights of the festival.
- Arrive early to get a good spot for viewing the mikoshi procession and kagura performance.
- Be respectful of the shrine and its customs.
- Enjoy the festival and all that it has to offer!
Parking Information
There is limited parking available at the Ogochi Jinja Shrine. Visitors are encouraged to use public transportation or park in nearby parking lots and walk to the shrine.
- Limited parking available at the shrine.
- Use public transportation or park in nearby parking lots 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. |
