Odawara’s shrine festival with a history of 800 years
Basic Information
Here’s an overview of the 2024 Koやす八幡神社 Ota Ward festival.
< minutes on foot from Nishimagome Station on the Toei Asakusa Line, or 5 minutes on foot from Hachiman Jinja-mae bus stop via Tokyu Bus from JR Kamata Station
八幡神社 Ota Ward festival offers a variety of events and attractions for visitors to enjoy.
Mikoshi Procession
The mikoshi procession is a highlight of the festival, where a portable shrine is carried through the streets by participants. The mikoshi is believed to house the deity of the shrine, and carrying it is seen as a way to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.
Yamaboko Procession
The yamaboko procession is another popular attraction, featuring floats decorated with colorful tapestries and ornaments. These floats are paraded through the streets, accompanied by music and dancing.
Children’s Mikoshi
Children also have the opportunity to participate in the festival by carrying their own small mikoshi. This is a great way for them to experience the festival and learn about Japanese culture.
Food Stalls
No Japanese festival is complete without food stalls! At the Koやす八幡神社 Ota Ward festival, visitors can enjoy a variety of delicious Japanese foods, including takoyaki, yakisoba, and cotton candy.
Benefits and Deities
The Koやす八幡神社 Ota Ward festival is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. The deities enshrined at the shrine are Ojin Tenno, the 15th emperor of Japan, and Empress Jingu, a legendary figure known for her military prowess.
Blessings and Deities
The Koやす八幡神社 Ota Ward festival is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. The deities enshrined at the shrine are:
- Ojin Tenno, the 15th emperor of Japan
- Empress Jingu, a legendary figure known for her military prowess
Visitors to the festival can pray to these deities for good luck in various aspects of their lives, such as health, wealth, and success.
Origin and History
The origins of the Koやす八幡神社 Ota Ward festival are unclear, but it is believed to have been held for centuries. The festival is thought to have originated as a way to pray for good harvests and to ward off evil spirits. Over time, it has evolved into a major community event that attracts visitors from all over the region.
Tips and Notes for Visitors
If you plan to attend the Koやす八幡神社 Ota Ward festival, here are a few tips and notes to keep in mind:
- The festival is very popular, so it is important to arrive early to avoid crowds.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
- Bring cash, as many of the food and game stalls do not accept credit cards.
- Be respectful of the festival’s traditions and customs.
Parking Information
There is no dedicated parking lot for the Koやす八幡神社 Ota Ward festival. However, there are several public parking lots in the area. You can also use public transportation to get to the festival.
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. |
