Enchanting lights and divine processions: A glimpse into the 2024 Shirayama Shrine Festival
Basic Information
Shirayama Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Higashi嶺町, Ota Ward, Tokyo, Japan. It is classified as a village shrine in the modern shrine ranking system.
- Address: 31-17 Higashi嶺町, Ota Ward, Tokyo 145-0074
- Phone Number: Not publicly available
- Access: Approximately 2 minutes on foot from Kyugahara Station, Exit 2
- Festival Days: First Sunday and Saturday of September
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Shirayama 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
One of the highlights of the festival is the mikoshi procession. A mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets by a group of people. The mikoshi of Shirayama Shrine is particularly large and impressive, and it is carried by a team of over 100 people.
Lion Dance
Another popular attraction of the festival is the lion dance. The lion dance is performed by a group of people wearing lion costumes. The lions dance through the streets, blessing businesses and homes with good luck.
Food Stalls
The festival also features a variety of food stalls selling a wide range of delicious treats. Visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese festival foods such as yakitori, takoyaki, and cotton candy.
Other Attractions
- Live music performances
- Games and activities for children
- A flea market
- A fireworks display (on the final day of the festival)
Blessings and Deities
Shirayama Shrine is dedicated to three deities: Kukurihime no Mikoto, Izanagi no Miko often worshipped by those seeking love and marriage. Izanagi no Mikoto and Izanami no Mikoto are the creator deities of Japan, and they are worshipped for their role in bringing life to the world.
Origin and History
The origins of Shirayama Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded during the Kamakura period (1185-1333). The shrine was originally known as Nyotai Kengen Sha, and it was dedicated to a female deity. In the Meiji period (1868-1912), the shrine was renamed Shirayama Shrine and dedicated to the three deities it currently worships.
Tips and Notes for Visitors
- The Shirayama Shrine Festival is held annually on the first Sunday and Saturday of September.
- The festival features a variety of events and attractions, including a mikoshi procession, a lion dance, food stalls, and live music performances.
- The shrine is located a short walk from Kyugahara Station on the Tokyu Ikegami Line.
- There is limited parking available at the shrine, so it is recommended to use public transportation.
Parking Information
There is limited parking available at Shirayama Shrine. The parking lot can accommodate approximately 20 cars. Parking is free of charge.
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. |
