Gleaming lanterns illuminate the night at Samesu Hachiman Shrine
Basic Information
Samesu Hachiman Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the deity Hachiman, the god of war and patron deity of the Minamoto clan.
- Address: 1-20-10 Higashi Oi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 140-0011
- Phone Number: 03-3471-0112
- Access: 1-minute walk from Keikyu Line Samezu Station
- Festival Days: August 16th (Fri) to 18th (Sun), 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Samesu Hachiman 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, which takes place on the second day of the festival. A mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets by a team of people. The mikoshi of Samesu Hachiman Shrine is particularly large and impressive, and it is carried by a team of over 100 people.
Kagura Performance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance and music performance that is often performed at Shinto festivals. At the Samesu Hachiman Shrine Festival, kagura is performed by a group of young women who are dressed in colorful costumes. The kagura performance is a beautiful and graceful way to learn about Japanese culture.
Food Stalls
No Japanese festival is complete without food stalls! At the Samesu Hachiman Shrine Festival, there are a variety of food stalls selling everything from traditional Japanese dishes to modern festival favorites. Some of the most popular foods include yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), takoyaki (octopus balls), and kakigori (shaved ice with syrup).
Games and Activities
In addition to the main events, there are also a number of games and activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy. 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
Samesu Hachiman Shrine is dedicated to the deity Hachiman, the god of war and patron deity of the Minamoto clan. Hachiman is also revered as a god of agriculture, commerce, and protection from evil.
- Hachiman: God of war, patron deity of the Minamoto clan, god of agriculture, commerce, and protection from evil
Origin and History
The origins of Samesu Hachiman Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the 17th century. The shrine was originally located in a different part of Shinagawa, but it was moved to its current location in 1813.
- Founded: 17th century
- Moved to current location: 1813
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to the Samesu Hachiman Shrine Festival:
- Wear comfortable shoes: You will be doing a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
- Bring cash: Many of the food and game stalls at the festival only accept cash.
- Be prepared for crowds: The festival is very popular, so be prepared for large crowds.
- Arrive early for the mikoshi procession: If you want to see the mikoshi procession, arrive early to get a good spot.
Parking Information
There is no parking lot at Samesu Hachiman Shrine. However, there are several coin-operated parking lots in the surrounding area.
- Coin-operated parking lots: Available in the surrounding area
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. |
