Vivid lights dance at Kumemori Inari Shrine
Basic Information
Kumemori Inari Shrine is a shrine located in Asakusabashi, Taitō Ward, Tokyo, Japan.
- Address: 3-16-8 Asakusabashi, Taitō-ku, Tokyo 111-0053
- Phone Number: Not available
- Access: 5-minute walk from Asakusabashi Station on the Toei Asakusa Line, 6-minute walk from Kuramae Station on the Toei Asakusa/Oedo Line, or 7-minute walk from Asakusabashi Station on the JR Sōbu Line
- Festival Days: Not available
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Kumemori Inari Shrine festival is a vibrant and lively event that attracts many visitors each year. The main events and attractions of the festival include:
Mikoshi Procession
A mikoshi (portable shrine) is carried through the streets of Asakusabashi by a team of people. The mikoshi is believed to be inhabited by the deity of the shrine, and the procession is a way to show respect and gratitude to the deity.
Shishimai Dance
The shishimai dance is a traditional Japanese dance performed by a dancer wearing a lion costume. The dance is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.
Kagura
Kagura is a traditional Japanese musical performance that tells stories from Japanese mythology. The performance is accompanied by music and dance.
Food Stalls
A variety of food stalls are set up at the festival, selling a variety of Japanese dishes and snacks. Some of the most popular dishes include takoyaki (octopus balls), yakisoba (fried noodles), and taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes filled with sweet red bean paste).
Games and Activities
There are also a variety of games and activities for children and adults to enjoy at the festival. Some of the most popular games include ring toss, beanbag toss, and goldfish scooping.
Blessings and Deities
Kumemori Inari Shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto deity of rice and sake. Inari is also associated with fertility, prosperity, and worldly success. The shrine is a popular place for people to pray for good fortune in business, good harvests, and safe childbirth.
Origin and History
The exact origins of Kumemori Inari Shrine are unknown, but it is believed to have been founded in the early Edo period (1603-1868). The shrine was originally located in Saruya-cho, but it was moved to its current location in Asakusabashi in 1869.
Tips and Notes for Visitors
- The shrine is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Admission is free.
- The shrine is a popular tourist destination, so it is best to visit during the week or early in the morning to avoid crowds.
- There is a small parking lot available for visitors.
- The shrine is wheelchair accessible.
Parking Information
There is a small parking lot available for visitors to Kumemori Inari Shrine. The parking lot is located behind the shrine, and it can accommodate about 10 cars. The parking fee is 300 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. |
