Enchanting lights illuminate the night, a spectacle not to be missed.
Basic Information
U**s**a Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the god **H**onda **W**ake **M**ikoto, also known as Emperor **O**jin, the 15th emperor of Japan.
- Address: 2-11-3 Oyamadai, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-0086
- Phone Number: 03-3702-0875
- Access: 10-minute walk from Oyamadai Station on the Tokyu Oimachi Line
- Festival Days: First Sunday in October
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The **U**sa Shrine **F**estival is an annual event held at the **U**sa Shrine in **S**etagaya Ward, **T**okyo, **J**apan. The festival celebrates the shrine’s deity, **H**onda **W**ake **M**ikoto, also known as **E**mperor **O**jin, the 15th emperor of **J**apan.
The festival takes place on the first **S**unday in **O**ctober and features a variety of events and attractions, including:
Mikoshi Procession
The highlight of the festival is the **M**ikos**h**i procession, in which a portable shrine is carried through the streets of **O**yamadai. The **M**ikos**h**i is decorated with colorful tapestries and streamers, and it is carried by a team of **S**hinto priests and **M**aiden.
Kagura Performance
**K**agura is a traditional **J**apanese **S**hinto dance and music performance. During the **U**sa Shrine **F**estival, **K**agura is performed by a group of **M**aiden in the shrine’s **M**ain **H**all.
Food Stalls
A variety of **F**ood stalls are set up around the shrine during the festival. These stalls sell a variety of **J**apanese **F**ood, including **R**amen, **S**oba, and **T**akoyaki.
Games and Activities
There are also a variety of games and activities for children at the festival. These include **R**ing **T**oss, **F**ish **P**ond **G**aming, and **K**an**d**ama **T**ossing.
Blessings and Deities
The **U**sa Shrine is dedicated to the god **H**onda **W**ake **M**ikoto, also known as **E**mperor **O**jin, the 15th emperor of **J**apan. **E**mperor **O**jin is revered as a god of war, victory, and good fortune. He is also believed to have introduced Buddhism to **J**apan.
In addition to **E**mperor **O**jin, the **U**sa Shrine also enshrines **I**nari **N**okami, the god of rice and agriculture, and **O**otake **M**ikoto, the god of sake and brewing.
- **H**onda **W**ake **M**ikoto (**E**mperor **O**jin): God of war, victory, and good fortune
- **I**nari **N**okami: God of rice and agriculture
- **O**otake **M**ikoto: God of sake and brewing
Origin and History
The **U**sa Shrine was founded in the **11**th century by **M**inamoto **Y**oritomo, the first **S**hogun of the **K**amakura **S**hogunate. The shrine was originally located in **K**yoto, but it was moved to its current location in **S**etagaya Ward in **16**99.
The **U**sa Shrine has a long and rich history. It has been visited by many famous people over the years, including the **E**mperor **M**eiji and the **E**mperor **S**howa.
- Founded in the **11**th century by **M**inamoto **Y**oritomo
- Originally located in **K**yoto
- Moved to its current location in **S**etagaya Ward in **16**99
- Visited by many famous people, including the **E**mperor **M**eiji and the **E**mperor **S**howa
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to the **U**sa Shrine **F**estival:
- The festival is held on the first **S**unday in **O**ctober.
- The **M**ikos**h**i procession begins at **10**:**00** **A**M.
- The **K**agura performance begins at **11**:**00** **A**M.
- There are a variety of **F**ood stalls and **G**ames for **C**hildren at the festival.
- The festival is a popular event, so it is recommended to arrive early to avoid crowds.
Parking Information
There is no parking lot at the **U**sa Shrine. However, there are several public parking lots nearby.
- **O**yamadai **P**ublic **P**arking **L**ot: A **5**-minute walk from the shrine
- **S**etagaya **W**ard **O**ffice **P**ublic **P**arking **L**ot: A **10**-minute walk from the shrine
- **T**okyu **O**imachi **L**ine **O**yamadai **S**tation **P**ublic **P**arking **L**ot: A **15**-minute walk from 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. |