Gleaming lanterns illuminate the night at Okinomiya
Basic Information
Here’s a detailed overview of the 2024 Okinomiya Shrine Adachi Ward Festival.
- Address: 2-1-4 Okino, Adachi-ku, Tokyo
- Phone Number: 03-3840-5335
- Access: 1-minute walk from Okimoto Center-mae Bus Stop via Tobu Bus from Kita-Senju Station
- Festival Days: September 15th (Sun), 2024 (Reiwa 6)
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Okinomiya Shrine Adachi Ward Festival is a vibrant and lively event that offers a variety of attractions for visitors of all ages.
Mikoshi Procession
The highlight of the festival is the mikoshi procession, where a portable shrine is carried through the streets of Adachi Ward. The mikoshi is decorated with intricate carvings and colorful tapestries, and it is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the community.
Shishimai Dance
Another popular attraction is the shishimai dance, a traditional Japanese lion dance. The shishimai is a mythical creature that is said to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. The dance is performed by two people, one inside the shishimai costume and one playing the drums.
Yatai Food Stalls
No Japanese festival is complete without yatai, or food stalls. At the Okinomiya Shrine Festival, visitors can enjoy a variety of delicious Japanese street food, including takoyaki, yakisoba, and cotton candy.
Bon Odori Dance
In the evening, the festival concludes with a lively bon odori dance. The bon odori is a traditional Japanese folk dance that is performed during the Obon festival, which honors the spirits of the dead. Visitors are encouraged to join in the dance and celebrate the Obon festival with the local community.
Blessings and Deities
The Okinomiya Shrine is dedicated to the deity Takao Kami (Takaokami no Kami), who is revered for its association with agriculture, fishing, navigation, brewing, and as a god of production and prosperity. It is also said to be served by three dragon messengers.
- Takao Kami (Takaokami no Kami): God of agriculture, fishing, navigation, brewing, and production
- Three Dragon Messengers: Serve Takao Kami and assist in bringing good fortune
Origin and History
The exact date of the Okinomiya Shrine’s establishment is unknown, but it is believed to have existed since the Kamakura period (1185-1333). The shrine was originally called Omiya Shrine, but its name was changed to Okinomiya Shrine in 1934.
- Established: Kamakura period (1185-1333)
- Original Name: Omiya Shrine
- Current Name: Okinomiya Shrine (since 1934)
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors attending the Okinomiya Shrine Festival:
- Wear comfortable shoes: You will be doing a lot of walking during the festival.
- Bring cash: Many of the food and game stalls at the festival only accept cash.
- Be prepared for crowds: The festival is very popular, so be prepared for large crowds.
- Be respectful of the shrine and its customs: The Okinomiya Shrine is a sacred place, so please be respectful of the shrine and its customs.
Parking Information
There is no dedicated parking lot for the Okinomiya Shrine. However, there are several coin-operated parking lots in the surrounding area.
- Coin-operated parking lots: Available in the surrounding area
- Public transportation: To avoid parking hassles, consider using public transportation to get to the festival.
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. |
