Enchanting shrine festival with lion dance and music
Basic Information
Yagara Hachiman Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Yabe-cho, Machida City, Tokyo, Japan.
- Address: 2666 Yabe-cho, Machida-shi, Tokyo 194-0214
- Phone Number: 042-797-0447
- Access: 15-minute walk from淵野辺 Station North Exit on the JR Yokohama Line
- Festival Days: September 15th (Sun), 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Yagara Hachiman Shrine Festival is a vibrant and lively event that attracts many visitors each year. The festival features a variety of traditional Japanese performances and activities, including:
Mikoshi Procession
The mikoshi procession is the highlight of the festival. A mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets by a team of people. The mikoshi is believed to be inhabited by the deity of the shrine, and the procession is a way to show respect and gratitude to the deity.
Lion Dance
The lion dance is a traditional Japanese dance that is often performed at festivals. The dance is performed by two people, one wearing a lion head and the other wearing a lion body. The lion dance is believed to bring good luck and fortune.
Yatai
Yatai are food stalls that sell a variety of Japanese street food. Yatai are a popular feature of Japanese festivals, and they offer a great opportunity to try some of the local cuisine.
- Mikoshi Procession: A parade of portable shrines carried through the streets, symbolizing respect and gratitude to the deity.
- Lion Dance: A traditional dance performed by two people, one wearing a lion head and the other wearing a lion body, believed to bring good luck and fortune.
- Yatai: Food stalls selling a variety of Japanese street food, offering a chance to savor local delicacies.
Blessings and Deities
Yagara Hachiman Shrine is dedicated to the deity Ojin Tenno, the 15th emperor of Japan. Ojin Tenno is revered as the god of war and victory, and he is also associated with agriculture and prosperity.
- Deity: Ojin Tenno (応神天皇)
- Blessings: War and victory, agriculture, prosperity
Origin and History
The origins of Yagara Hachiman Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the 7th century. The shrine was originally located in a different part of Machida City, but it was moved to its current location in the 16th century.
- Founded: 7th century
- Original location: Different part of Machida City
- Current location: 16th century
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to Yagara Hachiman Shrine:
- The shrine is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Admission is free.
- The festival is held on September 15th every year.
- The shrine is a popular spot for weddings and other ceremonies.
- There is a large parking lot available for visitors.
Parking Information
There is a large parking lot available for visitors to Yagara Hachiman Shrine. The parking lot is located next to the shrine, and it can accommodate up to 100 cars.
- Location: Next to the shrine
- Capacity: 100 cars
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. |
