Enchanting shrine festival with 400 years of history
Basic Information
Here’s an overview of the 2024 Toyokashima Shrine Festival in Higashiyamato City.
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Toyokashima Shrine Festival is a vibrant and lively event that offers a variety of attractions for visitors of all ages.
Mikoshi Procession
Overview: The highlight of the festival is the Mikoshi Procession, where a portable shrine is carried through the streets of Higashiyamato City by local residents.
- Content: A portable shrine is carried through the streets of Higashiyamato City.
- Features: The Mikoshi is elaborately decorated with colorful tapestries and ornaments.
Lion Dance
Overview: Another popular attraction is the Lion Dance, performed by skilled dancers wearing colorful lion costumes.
- Content: Skilled dancers perform a traditional lion dance.
- Features: The lion dance is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.
Kagura Performance
Overview: Visitors can also enjoy Kagura, a traditional Japanese musical performance that tells stories from Japanese mythology.
- Content: A traditional Japanese musical performance that tells stories from Japanese mythology.
- Features: The Kagura performance is accompanied by beautiful music and colorful costumes.
Food Stalls
Overview: No festival is complete without delicious food! At the Toyokashima Shrine Festival, visitors can indulge in a variety of local delicacies from food stalls.
- Content: Visitors can enjoy a variety of local delicacies from food stalls.
- Features: The food stalls offer a wide range of options, from traditional Japanese dishes to modern favorites.
Blessings and Deities
The Toyokashima Shrine Festival is dedicated to the deity Take-mikazuchi-no-mikoto, the god of thunder and agriculture. Visitors to the festival can pray for good fortune, a bountiful harvest, and protection from harm.
- Deity: Take-mikazuchi-no-mikoto (god of thunder and agriculture)
- Blessings: Good fortune, bountiful harvest, protection from harm
Origin and History
The Toyokashima Shrine Festival has a long and storied history, dating back to the year 707 AD. According to legend, the shrine was founded by Princess Yata, the fourth daughter of Emperor Tenji, and Soga no Kura-no-Yamada-no-Ishikawa-maro, a powerful noble. The festival was originally held to pray for peace and prosperity in the region.
- Founded: 707 AD
- Founder: Princess Yata and Soga no Kura-no-Yamada-no-Ishikawa-maro
- Purpose: To pray for peace and prosperity in the region
Tips and Notes for Visitors
If you plan to attend the Toyokashima Shrine Festival, here are a few tips to make the most of your experience:
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
- Bring a camera to capture the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.
- Arrive early to get a good spot to view the parade and other performances.
- Be respectful of the festival’s traditions and customs.
Parking Information
There is limited parking available at the Toyokashima Shrine. Visitors are encouraged to use public transportation or park in nearby parking lots and walk to the shrine.
- Parking: Limited parking available at the shrine
- Public Transportation: Tama Monorail Kamikitadai Station (15-minute walk)
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. |
