Divine archery by children at Rokugo Shrine
Basic Information
Rokugo Shrine is a historical Shinto shrine located in Ota Ward, Tokyo, Japan.
- Address: 3-10-18 Higashirokugo, Ota City, Tokyo 144-0046
- Phone Number: 03-3731-2889
- Access: 7 minutes on foot from Rokugodote Station on the Keikyu Line, or 3 minutes by bus from Kamata Station on the Keikyu Line
- Festival Days: June 3rd (Mon), 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Rokugo Shrine Festival is a vibrant and lively event that attracts many visitors each year. Here are some of the main events and attractions of the festival:
Children’s Shinto Archery Contest
One of the highlights of the festival is the Children’s Shinto Archery Contest. This unique event features young boys dressed in traditional clothing, performing archery rituals and competing against each other. The contest is a display of skill, precision, and courage, and it is a sight to behold.
- Participants: Young boys dressed in traditional clothing
- Activities: Performing archery rituals and competing against each other
- Significance: Display of skill, precision, and courage
Mikoshi Procession
Another popular event is the Mikoshi Procession. During this procession, portable shrines called mikoshi are carried through the streets of Ota Ward by teams of people. The mikoshi are elaborately decorated and often weigh several hundred pounds. The procession is a lively and colorful event, and it is a chance for people to come together and celebrate the festival.
- Description: Portable shrines called mikoshi are carried through the streets
- Participants: Teams of people carry the mikoshi
- Significance: Lively and colorful event that brings people together
Food Stalls and Games
The festival also features a variety of food stalls and games. Visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese festival foods such as takoyaki, yakisoba, and cotton candy. There are also a variety of games and activities for children, such as goldfish scooping and ring toss.
- Food: Traditional Japanese festival foods such as takoyaki, yakisoba, and cotton candy
- Activities: Games and activities for children, such as goldfish scooping and ring toss
- Significance: Adds to the festive atmosphere and provides entertainment for visitors
Blessings and Deities
Rokugo Shrine is dedicated to the deity Hontawake no Mikoto, also known as Emperor Ojin. He is revered as the god of war, victory, and good fortune. People visit the shrine to pray for success in various aspects of life, including business, exams, and relationships.
- Deity: Hontawake no Mikoto (Emperor Ojin)
- Domains: War, victory, and good fortune
- Benefits of praying: Success in business, exams, relationships, etc.
Origin and History
The exact origins of Rokugo Shrine are unknown, but it is believed to have been founded over 1,000 years ago. The shrine has a long and rich history, and it has been visited by many famous people over the centuries, including the samurai warrior Minamoto no Yoritomo and the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu.
- Establishment: Over 1,000 years ago (exact date unknown)
- Historical significance: Visited by famous figures like Minamoto no Yoritomo and Tokugawa Ieyasu
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to Rokugo Shrine:
- Dress respectfully: As with all Shinto shrines, visitors should dress respectfully when visiting Rokugo Shrine. This means avoiding shorts, tank tops, and other casual clothing.
- Purify yourself before entering: There is a water fountain near the entrance of the shrine where visitors can purify themselves before entering. To do this, simply rinse your hands and mouth with the water.
- Offer a donation: It is customary to make a donation to the shrine when you visit. There is a donation box near the main shrine building where you can make your offering.
- Write a wish: You can write a wish on a wooden tablet called an ema and hang it on a rack at the shrine. This is a way to ask the gods for their blessing.
Parking Information
There is a parking lot near Rokugo Shrine where visitors can park their cars. The parking lot is收费, and the rates are as follows:
- Regular cars: 500 yen per day
- Large vehicles: 1,000 yen per day
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. |
