Enchanting shrine festival with a history of over 100 years
Basic Information
Sakae Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Ikenohata, Taitō ward, Tokyo, Japan.
- Address: 1-6-13 Ikenohata, Taitō-ku, Tokyo 110-0008
- Phone Number: N/A
- Access: 8-minute walk from Yushima Station on the Chiyoda Line, 9-minute walk from Nezu Station on the Chiyoda Line
- Festival Days: September 20th
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Sakae Inari Shrine Festival is held annually on September 20th and features various events and attractions that draw many visitors.
Mikoshi Procession
One of the main highlights of the festival is the Mikoshi Procession, where a portable shrine, or mikoshi, is carried through the streets surrounding the shrine. The mikoshi is believed to house the spirit of the enshrined deity, and carrying it is considered a great honor. Participants take turns carrying the mikoshi, accompanied by traditional music and lively cheers.
Shishimai Dance
Another popular attraction is the Shishimai Dance, a traditional lion dance performed by skilled dancers wearing colorful lion costumes. The dance is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. The performers move gracefully to the rhythm of drums and flutes, captivating the audience with their energetic and entertaining performance.
Kagura Performance
Kagura is a sacred Shinto dance performed by shrine maidens, or miko, to offer prayers and express gratitude to the gods. During the festival, Kagura performances are held at the shrine’s main hall, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Japanese performing arts.
Food Stalls and Games
The festival also features a lively atmosphere with food stalls offering a variety of delicious Japanese street food and snacks. Visitors can enjoy traditional treats like takoyaki, yakisoba, and cotton candy, among many others. Additionally, there are various games and activities for children and adults alike, making it a fun-filled event for the whole family.
Blessings and Deities
Sakae Inari Shrine), the Shinto deity of food, agriculture, and industry. Ukanomitama no Mikoto is revered for bringing prosperity and abundance to the community, and many people visit the shrine to pray for success in their businesses, bountiful harvests, and overall well-being.
- Deity: 倉稲魂命 (Ukanomitama no Mikoto)
- Blessings: Prosperity, abundance, success in business, bountiful harvests, overall well-being
Origin and History
The origins of Sakae Inari Shrine are shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to have been established during the Muromachi period (1336-1573). According to legend, the shrine was founded by Ashikaga Yoshihisa, the ninth shogun of the Ashikaga shogunate, who enshrined Ukanomitama no Mikoto in the area to pray for the prosperity of the nation. Over the centuries, the shrine has undergone several renovations and expansions, and it continues to be a popular place of worship and reverence in the local community.
- Establishment: Muromachi period (1336-1573)
- Founder: Ashikaga Yoshihisa, the ninth shogun of the Ashikaga shogunate
- Enshrined Deity: 倉稲魂命 (Ukanomitama no Mikoto)
Tips and Notes for Visitors
If you plan to visit Sakae Inari Shrine during the annual festival, here are a few tips and notes to make your experience more enjoyable:
- Dress respectfully: As with any religious site in Japan, it is important to dress respectfully when visiting Sakae Inari Shrine. Avoid wearing shorts, tank tops, or other casual attire.
- Observe proper etiquette: When entering the shrine grounds, be sure to purify your hands and mouth at the chozuya (water purification basin) before approaching the main shrine building.
- Offer your prayers: To offer your prayers at the main shrine building, toss a small monetary offering into the offertory box and then bow twice, clap your hands twice, and bow once more.
- Explore the shrine grounds: Take some time to explore the shrine grounds, which feature a variety of interesting sights, including a beautiful garden and a small museum.
Parking Information
Unfortunately, Sakae Inari Shrine does not have its own dedicated parking lot. However, there are several public parking lots located within walking distance of the shrine.
- Public Parking Lot 1: Located a 5-minute walk from the shrine. (收费)
- Public Parking Lot 2: Located a 7-minute walk from the shrine. (收费)
- Public Parking Lot 3: Located a 10-minute walk from the shrine. (收费)
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. |
