Enchanting Shrine Festival in Tama City
Basic Information
Here’s an overview of the 2024 Ochiai Hakusan Shrine Festival in Tama City.
Phone Number: 042-375-2400
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Ochiai Hakusan Shrine Festival is a vibrant and lively event that offers a variety of attractions for visitors of all ages. Here are some of the main highlights:
Mikoshi Procession
One of the main attractions 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 of the Ochiai Hakusan Shrine is particularly impressive, and it is a sight to behold as it is carried through the streets, accompanied by music and dancing.
Bon Odori Dance
Another popular attraction of the festival is the bon odori dance. Bon odori is a traditional Japanese folk dance that is performed during the Obon festival, which is a time to honor the spirits of one’s ancestors. The bon odori dance is a lively and energetic dance that is easy to learn, and it is a great way to experience Japanese culture firsthand.
Food Stalls
No Japanese festival would be complete without food stalls! At the Ochiai Hakusan Shrine Festival, there will be a variety of food stalls selling a wide range of delicious Japanese dishes, from traditional favorites like yakitori and takoyaki to more modern dishes like crepes and bubble tea. There will be something to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.
Games and Activities
There will also be a variety of games and activities for children and adults alike. These include traditional Japanese games like ring toss and goldfish scooping, as well as more modern games like face painting and balloon animals. There will be something to keep everyone entertained throughout the festival.
Blessings and Deities
The Ochiai Hakusan Shrine is dedicated to the deities Izanagi and Izanami, who are the creator gods of Japanese mythology. They are said to have created the Japanese islands and given birth to many gods and goddesses. Izanagi and Izanami are also associated with marriage and childbirth, and they are often worshipped by couples who are hoping to have children.
Origin and History
The Ochiai Hakusan Shrine was founded in 1618 by a local lord named Omiya Hachiman. It is said that Omiya Hachiman was inspired to build the shrine after he was cured of an illness by the god Hakusan. The shrine was originally located in a different part of Tama City, but it was moved to its current location in 1983.
Tips and Notes for Visitors
- The Ochiai Hakusan Shrine is open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Admission to the shrine is free.
- There is a small parking lot available for visitors.
- The shrine is a popular destination for weddings and other ceremonies.
- There are a number of restaurants and shops located near the shrine.
Parking Information
There is a small parking lot available for visitors to the Ochiai Hakusan Shrine. The parking lot is located behind the shrine, and it can accommodate about 20 cars. Parking is free of charge.
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. |
