Oda’s guardian deity, Benten Shrine, invites you to a lively festival.
Basic Information
Benten Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Omori, Ota Ward, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the goddess Benten, the goddess of wealth, fortune, and good luck.
- Address: 4-39-3 Omorihigashi, Ota-ku, Tokyo 143-0012
- Phone Number: 03-3763-8281
- Access: 11-minute walk from Umeyashiki Station on the Keikyu Main Line
- Festival Days: Last weekend of May
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Benten 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
The highlight of the festival is the mikoshi procession, where a portable shrine is carried through the streets of Omori by local residents. The mikoshi is decorated with colorful tapestries and streamers, and it is accompanied by music and dancing.
Yatai (Food Stalls)
During the festival, the streets around Benten Shrine are lined with yatai, or food stalls, selling a variety of delicious Japanese foods. Some of the most popular items include takoyaki (octopus balls), yakisoba (fried noodles), and cotton candy.
Bon Odori
In the evenings, there is a bon odori, or traditional Japanese dance, held at the festival grounds. Anyone can participate in the bon odori, and it is a great way to experience Japanese culture.
Children’s Mikoshi
There is also a children’s mikoshi procession, where children carry a smaller version of the mikoshi through the streets. This is a fun and exciting event for children of all ages.
Kagura奉納
Kagura is a traditional Japanese performing art that combines music, dance, and storytelling. During the festival, kagura is performed at Benten Shrine as a way to offer prayers to the gods.
Blessings and Deities
Benten Shrine is dedicated to three deities: Benten, Ichikishimahime, and Tagirihime. Benten is the goddess of wealth, fortune, and good luck, while Ichikishimahime is the goddess of marriage and childbirth. Tagirihime is the goddess of agriculture and fertility.
- Benten: Goddess of wealth, fortune, and good luck
- Ichikishimahime: Goddess of marriage and childbirth
- Tagirihime: Goddess of agriculture and fertility
Origin and History
The origins of Benten Shrine are unknown, but it is believed to have been founded in the early Heian period (794-1185). The shrine was originally located on an island in Omori Bay, but it was moved to its current location in 1657.
- Founded: Early Heian period (794-1185)
- Moved to current location: 1657
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to Benten Shrine:
- The shrine is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- There is no parking lot at the shrine, so visitors are advised to use public transportation.
- The shrine is a popular tourist destination, so it is best to visit during the week or early in the morning to avoid crowds.
- Photography is permitted at the shrine, but please be respectful of other visitors.
Parking Information
There is no parking lot at Benten Shrine. Visitors are advised to use public transportation or park in a nearby parking lot and walk to 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. |
