Enchanting lights illuminate the night at Hanazono Inari Shrine.
Basic Information
Hanazono Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Ueno Park, Taito, Tokyo, Japan.
- Address: 4-17 Uenokoen, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0007
- Phone Number: 03-3828-5600
- Access: 5-minute walk from Ueno Station (JR Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Hibiya Line), 3-minute walk from Keisei Ueno Station (Keisei Main Line)
- Festival Days: April 11th (Thu), November 11th (Mon), 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Hanazono Inari Shrine Festival is a vibrant 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 Ueno Park. The mikoshi is decorated with colorful tapestries and carried by teams of people. The procession is accompanied by music and dancing, and it is a lively and festive sight.
Kagura Performance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance and music performance that is often performed at Shinto shrines. During the Hanazono Inari Shrine Festival, kagura performances are held on a stage in front of the shrine. The performances are beautiful and captivating, and they offer a glimpse into Japanese culture and tradition.
Food and Games
The festival also features a variety of food and game stalls. Visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese festival foods such as yakitori, takoyaki, and okonomiyaki. There are also games and activities for children, such as goldfish scooping and ring toss.
Fireworks Display
The festival concludes with a spectacular fireworks display. The fireworks are launched from a barge in Shinobazu Pond, and they light up the night sky with their brilliant colors. The fireworks display is a fitting end to a lively and enjoyable festival.
Blessings and Deities
Hanazono Inari Shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto deity of rice and sake. Inari is also associated with fertility, prosperity, and worldly success. The shrine is a popular destination for people who are praying for good fortune in business, good harvests, and safe childbirth.
- Deity Enshrined: Inari
- Benefits of Worship: Good fortune in business, good harvests, safe childbirth
Origin and History
The origins of Hanazono Inari Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the early Edo period (1603-1868). The shrine was originally located in a different part of Ueno Park, but it was moved to its current location in 1873.
- Founded: Early Edo period (1603-1868)
- Moved to Current Location: 1873
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to Hanazono Inari Shrine:
- Hours: The shrine is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.
- Admission: Admission to the shrine is free.
- Dress Code: There is no specific dress code for visiting the shrine, but it is considered respectful to dress modestly.
- Photography: Photography is permitted within the shrine grounds, but please be respectful of other visitors.
- Smoking: Smoking is not permitted within the shrine grounds.
Parking Information
There is no parking lot at Hanazono Inari Shrine. However, there are several public parking lots located nearby.
- Ueno Park Parking Lot: This parking lot is located a short walk from the shrine. It is open 24 hours a day and costs 500 yen per hour.
- Keisei Ueno Station Parking Lot: This parking lot is located next to Keisei Ueno Station. It is open 24 hours a day and costs 600 yen per hour.
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. |
