Autumn sky dances with deities
Basic Information
Here’s a detailed overview of the festival.
- Address: 2-27-19 Sakaemachi, Hino-shi, Tokyo
- Phone Number: Not disclosed
- Access: 15-minute walk from Hino Station
- Festival Days: Third Saturday and Sunday of September
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
Here are the main events and attractions of the festival:
Mikoshi Procession
The mikoshi procession is the main event of the festival. A mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets by festival participants. The mikoshi is believed to be inhabited by the deity of the shrine, and the procession is a way to show respect to the deity and to ask for blessings.
Lion Dance
The lion dance is a traditional Japanese dance that is often performed at festivals. The dance is performed by two people, one wearing a lion head and the other wearing a lion body. The lion dance is believed to bring good luck and to ward off evil spirits.
Yatai Village
A yatai village is a collection of food stalls that are set up at festivals. The stalls sell a variety of food and drinks, including traditional Japanese dishes such as takoyaki, yakisoba, and okonomiyaki.
- Mikoshi Procession: A parade of portable shrines carrying the deities of the shrine.
- Lion Dance: A traditional dance performed by two people wearing a lion head and body, believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.
- Yatai Village: A collection of food stalls selling traditional Japanese dishes and drinks.
Blessings and Deities
The deities enshrined at Nishinommiya Shrine are:
- Susanoo-no-Mikoto: The god of the sea and storms.
- Ōmononushi-no-Mikoto: The god of marriage, childbirth, and business.
- Kotoshironushi-no-Mikoto: The god of agriculture and industry.
The shrine is said to bring blessings such as:
- Safe childbirth
- Good luck in marriage
- Prosperity in business
- Good harvest
- Protection from natural disasters
Origin and History
The origins of Nishinommiya Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the 7th century. The shrine was originally located in the city of Osaka, but it was moved to its current location in the 10th century.
The shrine has been rebuilt several times over the centuries, most recently in 1995. The current shrine building is a designated cultural property of Japan.
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to Nishinommiya Shrine:
- The shrine is open from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day.
- Admission to the shrine is free.
- There is a parking lot available for visitors.
- The shrine is a popular tourist destination, so it can be crowded during peak times.
- There are several restaurants and shops located near the shrine.
Parking Information
There is a parking lot available for visitors to Nishinommiya Shrine. The parking lot is located a short walk from the shrine.
The parking lot is open from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day.
The parking fee is 500 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. |
