A vibrant festival of lights and music in Tokyo’s Toshima district.
Basic Information
Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Toshima Ward, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and sake.
- Address: 1-9-4 Nagasaki, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 170-0012
- Phone Number: 03-3916-0552
- Access: 1-minute walk from Shiinamachi Station, Seibu Ikebukuro Line
- Festival Days: September 9th (Sat) and 10th (Sun), 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Inari Shrine Toshima Festival is a vibrant and lively event that attracts many visitors each year. The festival features a variety of events and attractions, including:
Mikoshi Procession
The highlight of the festival is the mikoshi procession, where a portable shrine is carried through the streets of Toshima Ward. The mikoshi is decorated with colorful tapestries and streamers, and it is carried by a team of people. The procession is accompanied by music and dancing, and it is a joyous occasion for all who attend.
Lion Dance
Another popular attraction at the festival is the lion dance. The lion dance is performed by a team of dancers who wear colorful lion costumes. The dancers perform a series of acrobatic moves, and they interact with the crowd. The lion dance is said to bring good luck and fortune, and it is a popular attraction for both children and adults.
Food Stalls
The festival also features a variety of food stalls, where visitors can enjoy a variety of Japanese dishes. Some of the most popular dishes include yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), takoyaki (octopus balls), and taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes filled with sweet red bean paste). There are also a variety of drinks available, including beer, sake, and soft drinks.
Games and Activities
In addition to the food stalls, the festival also features a variety of games and activities for children. These include games such as ring toss and beanbag toss, as well as activities such as face painting and balloon animals. The games and activities are a great way for children to have fun and enjoy the festival.
Blessings and Deities
Inari Shrine is dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and sake. Inari is one of the most popular deities in Japan, and is revered for bringing good fortune and prosperity. Inari is often depicted as a white fox, and foxes are considered to be Inari’s messengers.
- Benefits: Good fortune, prosperity, success in business, bountiful harvests
- Deities: Inari
Origin and History
The origins of Inari Shrine are unknown, but it is believed to have been founded sometime during the Edo period (1603-1868). The shrine was originally located in a different part of Toshima Ward, but it was moved to its current location in 1715.
- Founded: Edo period (1603-1868)
- Moved to current location: 1715
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to Inari Shrine:
- Shoes: Remove your shoes before entering the main shrine building.
- Offerings: You can make an offering of money to the shrine by placing it in the offertory box.
- Ema: You can write a wish on an ema (wooden plaque) and hang it on the rack in the shrine.
- Omamori: You can purchase an omamori (amulet) at the shrine to bring you good luck.
Parking Information
There is no parking lot at Inari Shrine. However, there are several coin-operated parking lots in the surrounding area.
- Coin-operated parking lots: Available in the surrounding area
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. |
