Oguhachiman Shrine Festival: A Tapestry of Colors and Traditions
Basic Information
Oguhachiman Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Nishi-Ogu 3-7-3, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
- Address: 3-7-3 Nishi-Ogu, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo 116-0011
- Phone Number: 03-3893-1535
- Access: 0-minute walk from Miyanomae Station on the Toden Arakawa Line, 5-minute walk from Kumanomae Station on the Nippori-Toneri Liner
- Festival Days: First Saturday and Sunday of August
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Oguhachiman Shrine Festival is a lively and colorful event that attracts many visitors each year. The festival features a variety of events and attractions, including:
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 team of people. The mikoshi is believed to be the temporary dwelling place of a deity, and the procession is a way to show respect to the deity and to ask for blessings.
- A mikoshi is a portable shrine carried by a team of people.
- The mikoshi is believed to be the temporary dwelling place of a deity.
- The procession is a way to show respect to the deity and to ask for blessings.
Kagura Performance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance that is often performed at Shinto shrines. The dance is performed by a group of people, and it tells a story about the gods and goddesses of Japan. The kagura performance at the Oguhachiman Shrine Festival is a beautiful and moving experience.
- Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance performed at Shinto shrines.
- The dance is performed by a group of people and tells a story about the gods and goddesses of Japan.
- The kagura performance at the Oguhachiman Shrine Festival is a beautiful and moving experience.
Food Stalls
No Japanese festival is complete without food stalls! At the Oguhachiman Shrine Festival, you can find a variety of food stalls selling everything from traditional Japanese dishes to international cuisine. There’s something for everyone to enjoy.
- The festival features a variety of food stalls selling traditional Japanese dishes and international cuisine.
- There’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Games and Activities
The festival also features a variety of games and activities for children and adults alike. There are games of chance, skill games, and even a petting zoo. There’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Oguhachiman Shrine Festival.
- The festival features a variety of games and activities for children and adults.
- There are games of chance, skill games, and even a petting zoo.
- There’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Blessings and Deities
Oguhachiman Shrine is dedicated to the deity Ojin Tenno, the 15th emperor of Japan. Ojin Tenno is revered as the god of war, agriculture, and industry. He is also believed to protect people from evil spirits and bring good luck.
- Oguhachiman Shrine is dedicated to Ojin Tenno, the 15th emperor of Japan.
- Ojin Tenno is revered as the god of war, agriculture, and industry.
- He is also believed to protect people from evil spirits and bring good luck.
Origin and History
The origins of Oguhachiman Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the late Kamakura period (1185-1333). The shrine was originally located in a different part of Arakawa-ku, but it was moved to its current location in 1638.
- The origins of Oguhachiman Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the late Kamakura period (1185-1333).
- The shrine was originally located in a different part of Arakawa-ku, but it was moved to its current location in 1638.
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to the Oguhachiman Shrine Festival:
- The festival is held on the first Saturday and Sunday of August each year.
- The festival is very popular, so it is important to arrive early to avoid crowds.
- There is a variety of food and drink available at the festival, so you can enjoy a picnic lunch or dinner.
- There are also a number of games and activities for children, so it is a great place to take the whole family.
Parking Information
There is a parking lot available at the shrine, but it is limited. It is recommended to use public transportation or park in a nearby parking lot and walk to the shrine.
- There is a parking lot available at the shrine, but it is limited.
- It is recommended to use public transportation or park in a nearby parking lot and walk to the shrine.
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. |