Gleaming lights, divine spirits, and joyful hearts at Handa Inari Shrine

Basic Information

Handa Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and sake.

• Address: 4-28-22 Higashikanecho, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo 125-0041
• Phone Number: 03-3607-0413
• Access: 15-minute walk from Kanecho Station on the JR Joban Line
• Festival Days: April 8th (Tue) and 9th (Wed), 2024 (Reiwa 6)

Main Events and Attractions of the Festival

The Handa Inari Shrine Festival is a lively and colorful event that attracts many visitors each year. The main events and attractions of the festival include:

Mikoshi Procession

A highlight of the festival is the mikoshi procession, where a portable shrine is carried through the streets of Katsushika Ward. The mikoshi is decorated with colorful tapestries and streamers, and it is carried by a team of people. The procession is accompanied by music and dancing, and it creates a festive atmosphere.

Kagura Performance

Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance and music performance that is often performed at Shinto shrines. During the Handa Inari Shrine Festival, kagura performances are held several times a day. The performances are typically accompanied by drums, flutes, and other traditional Japanese instruments.

Food Stalls

No Japanese festival is complete without food stalls! At the Handa Inari Shrine Festival, there are many food stalls selling a variety of delicious treats. Some of the most popular foods include yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), takoyaki (octopus balls), and taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes filled with sweet red bean paste).

Games and Activities

There are also a number of games and activities for children and adults to enjoy at the festival. These include traditional Japanese games like ring toss and goldfish scooping, as well as more modern games like face painting and balloon animals.

Blessings and Deities

Handa Inari Shrine is dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and sake. Inari is one of the most popular deities in Japan, and is revered for its role in ensuring good harvests and prosperity. Inari is often depicted as an old man with a long white beard, riding a white fox. The fox is Inari’s messenger, and is also a symbol of good luck.

• Deity: Inari, the god of rice and sake
• Benefits: Good harvests, prosperity, good luck
• Symbol: White fox

Origin and History

The origins of Handa Inari Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the 12th century. The shrine was originally located in a different part of Katsushika Ward, but it was moved to its current location in the 17th century. Handa Inari Shrine became a popular destination for pilgrims in the 18th century, when it was said to have miraculous powers to cure diseases. The shrine was destroyed by fire in the 19th century, but it was rebuilt in the early 20th century.

• Founded: 12th century
• Moved to current location: 17th century
• Became popular pilgrimage destination: 18th century
• Destroyed by fire: 19th century
• Rebuilt: Early 20th century

Tips and Notes for Visitors

Here are some tips and notes for visitors to Handa Inari Shrine:

• The shrine is open from 9am to 5pm every day.
• Admission is free.
• There is a small parking lot available for visitors.
• The shrine is a popular destination for weddings and other ceremonies.
• There are several restaurants and shops located near the shrine.

Parking Information

There is a small parking lot available for visitors to Handa Inari Shrine. The parking lot is located on the east side of the shrine, and it can accommodate about 20 cars. The parking fee is 500 yen per day.

Popular Stalls and Food Carts in Recent Years