Enchanting Shrine Festival in Hachioji

Basic Information

Here’s a detailed overview of the festival.

• Name:

Tagata Shrine Festival

• Address:

4-9-21 Motohongocho, Hachioji City, Tokyo

• Phone Number:

042-622-8605

• Access:

12-minute walk from the north exit of JR Chuo Line Nishi-Hachioji Station

• Festival Days:

First Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of August

Main Events and Attractions of the Festival

Here are the main events and attractions of the festival:

Mikoshi Procession

The highlight of the festival is the mikoshi procession, where a portable shrine is carried through the streets of Hachioji. The mikoshi is decorated with elaborate carvings and ornaments, and it is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the community.

• Overview: A parade of a portable shrine through the streets of Hachioji
• Significance: Believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the community
• Features: Elaborately decorated mikoshi with carvings and ornaments

Yatai Village

During the festival, a yatai village is set up in the shrine grounds. Yatai are food stalls that sell a variety of Japanese street food, such as takoyaki, yakisoba, and okonomiyaki. There are also games and activities for children.

• Overview: A village of food stalls and games in the shrine grounds
• Food: Variety of Japanese street food, such as takoyaki, yakisoba, and okonomiyaki
• Activities: Games and activities for children

Noh Performance

Noh is a traditional Japanese theater form that is known for its slow pace and symbolic gestures. During the festival, there are Noh performances held in the shrine grounds. These performances are a great opportunity to experience traditional Japanese culture.

• Overview: Traditional Japanese theater performances in the shrine grounds
• Features: Slow pace, symbolic gestures, and elaborate costumes
• Significance: Opportunity to experience traditional Japanese culture

Fireworks Display

The festival concludes with a spectacular fireworks display. The fireworks are launched from a nearby hill, and they light up the night sky with their vibrant colors. This is a popular event that attracts many visitors.

• Overview: Grand fireworks display at the end of the festival
• Features: Launched from a nearby hill, vibrant colors
• Significance: Popular event that attracts many visitors

Blessings and Deities

Tagata Shrine is dedicated to the deities Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto, who are considered to be the creators of the Japanese islands. The shrine is also believed to bring blessings of good luck, prosperity, and fertility.

• Deities: Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto
• Blessings: Good luck, prosperity, fertility

Origin and History

The origins of Tagata Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the 10th century. The shrine was initially dedicated to the god of agriculture, but it was later dedicated to Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto. The shrine has been rebuilt several times over the centuries, most recently in 1735.

• Founded: 10th century
• Original deity: God of agriculture
• Current deities: Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto
• Rebuilt: 1735

Tips and Notes for Visitors

Here are some tips and notes for visitors to Tagata Shrine:

• The shrine is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Admission is free.
• The shrine is a popular destination for weddings and other ceremonies.
• There is a small museum on the shrine grounds that displays artifacts related to the shrine’s history.
• The shrine is located in a quiet residential neighborhood. Please be respectful of the local residents.

Parking Information

There is no parking lot at Tagata Shrine. However, there are several public parking lots nearby.

• Hachioji City Hall Parking Lot: 5-minute walk from the shrine
• Hachioji Station Parking Lot: 10-minute walk from the shrine
• Nishi-Hachioji Station Parking Lot: 12-minute walk from the shrine

Popular Stalls and Food Carts in Recent Years