Gleaming lights, divine festival
Basic Information
An overview of the 2024 Hie Jinja Katsushika Festival will be provided here.
- Address: 2-1-17 Shinjuku, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo 125-li>Access: 1 minute walk from Shinjuku 1-chome bus stop, bound for Kameari Station, via Keisei Koganei Station
- Festival Days: September 15th (Sun), 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Hie Jinja Katsushika Festival is a vibrant and lively event that offers a variety of attractions for visitors of all ages. Some of the main highlights of the festival include:
Mikoshi Procession
One of the central events of the festival is the mikoshi procession, where a portable shrine is carried through the streets of the neighborhood. The mikoshi is decorated with elaborate ornaments and is believed to house the spirit of the deity enshrined at Hie Jinja. The procession is accompanied by music, dancing, and lively performances, creating a festive atmosphere.
Traditional Performances
The festival also features a variety of traditional Japanese performances, including taiko drumming, kagura dance, and koto music. These performances showcase the rich cultural heritage of Japan and provide a glimpse into the country’s traditional arts.
Food and Market Stalls
No Japanese festival is complete without delicious food and drinks! The Hie Jinja Katsushika Festival offers a wide selection of food stalls selling a variety of Japanese delicacies, from classic festival favorites like yakitori and takoyaki to local specialties and sweets. There are also many market stalls selling traditional crafts, souvenirs, and other items.
Fireworks Display
The festival culminates in a spectacular fireworks display that lights up the night sky. The fireworks are launched from a nearby park, and visitors can enjoy the show from various locations around the festival grounds.
ka Festival is dedicated to the deity Oyamakui no Mikoto, also known as the Mountain God. Oyamakui no Mikoto is revered as the protector of mountains and forests, and is believed to bring blessings of good health, safety, and prosperity to those who worship him.
- Deity: Oyamakui no Mikoto (Mountain God)
- Blessings: Good health, safety, prosperity
Origin and History
The origins of the Hie Jinja Katsushika Festival can be traced back to the Edo period (1603-1868). During this time, the festival was held as a way to pray for good harvests and protection from natural disasters. Over the years, the festival has evolved and grown, and it is now one of the most popular festivals in the Katsushika ward of Tokyo.
- Origin: Edo period (1603-1868)
- Purpose: To pray for good harvests and protection from natural disasters
Tips and Notes for Visitors
If you plan to attend the Hie Jinja Katsushika Festival, here are a few tips and notes to keep in mind:
- Date and Time: The festival is held on September 15th, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- Location: The festival takes place at the Hie Jinja Shrine, located at 2-1-17 Shinjuku, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo 125-0051.
- Access: The shrine is a 1-minute walk from the Shinjuku 1-chome bus stop, bound for Kameari Station, via Keisei Koganei Station.
- Things to Bring: Wear comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking. Bring a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. Cash is also recommended as some vendors may not accept credit cards.
- Things to Do: Enjoy the mikoshi procession, traditional performances, food and market stalls, and the fireworks display.
Parking Information
There is limited parking available at the Hie Jinja Shrine. Visitors are encouraged to use public transportation or park at nearby parking lots and walk to the festival grounds.
- Parking: Limited parking available at the shrine
- Recommendation: Use public transportation or park at nearby parking lots and walk
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. |
