渋谷’s Shrine Festival: A Journey Through History and Tradition
Basic Information
Kitaya-inari Shrine is a modern shrine located near NHK Broadcasting Center in Shibuya, Tokyo.
- Address: 1-4-1 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0041
- Phone Number: 03-3461-2971
- Access: 10-minute walk from JR Harajuku Station or Shibuya Station, or 10-minute walk from Meiji-jingumae Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line
- Festival Days: September 28th, 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Kitaya-inari Shrine Festival is a lively and colorful event that attracts many visitors each year. The main events and attractions of the festival include:
Mikoshi Procession
The highlight of the festival is the mikoshi procession, where a portable shrine is carried through the streets of Shibuya by festival participants. The mikoshi is decorated with colorful tapestries and tassels, and it is believed that carrying it brings good luck and prosperity to the community.
Yatai Village
During the festival, a yatai village is set up in the shrine grounds, where visitors can enjoy a variety of traditional Japanese food and drinks. Some of the popular yatai foods include yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), takoyaki (octopus balls), and taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes filled with sweet red bean paste).
Kagura Performance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese performing art that combines music, dance, and storytelling. During the Kitaya-inari Shrine Festival, kagura performances are held in the shrine’s main hall. These performances are a great way to learn about Japanese culture and history.
Lucky Draw
A lucky draw is held during the festival, where visitors can win a variety of prizes, including gift certificates, household goods, and even cash. The lucky draw is a fun and exciting way to try your luck and win some great prizes.
Benefits and Deities
The Kitaya-inari Shrine is dedicated to five deities: Ukanomitama no Okami, Oonamuchi no Okami, Omiyahime no Okami, Jingu Kogo, and Ota no Okami. These deities are believed to bring good fortune, prosperity, and success to those who worship them. Visitors to the festival can pray to these deities and ask for their blessings.
Blessings and Deities
The Kitaya-inari Shrine is dedicated to five deities: Ukanomitama no Okami, Oonamuchi no Okami, Omiyahime no Okami, Jingu Kogo, and Ota no Okami. These deities are believed to bring good fortune, prosperity, and success to those who worship them. Visitors to the festival can pray to these deities and ask for their blessings.
Origin and History
The Kitaya-inari Shrine was founded in the Kamakura period (1185-1333). It is said that the shrine was built by a samurai named Tanaka Saneki Takanao, who was granted the land by the shogun. The shrine was originally located near the Shibuya River, but it was moved to its current location in 1961.
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to the Kitaya-inari Shrine Festival:
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
- Bring cash, as many of the yatai stalls do not accept credit cards.
- Be prepared for crowds, especially during the mikoshi procession.
- If you have any questions, feel free to ask the shrine staff or volunteers.
Parking Information
There is no dedicated parking lot for the Kitaya-inari Shrine Festival. However, there are several coin-operated parking lots 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. |
