Enchanting shrine festival lights up Tokyo’s night sky
Basic Information
Kojiro Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Shirokanedai, Minato Ward, Tokyo, Japan.
- Address: 1-1-7 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Phone Number: N/A
- Access: 1-minute walk from Shirokanedai Station on the Tokyo Metro南北線
- Festival Days: April 17th (Example: April 17th (Wed) in 2024)
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Kojiro 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
A highlight of the festival is the mikoshi procession, where a portable shrine is carried through the streets of Shirokanedai. The mikoshi is decorated with colorful tapestries and streamers, and it is accompanied by musicians and dancers.
Kagura Performance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance and music performance that is often performed at Shinto shrines. During the Kojiro Inari Shrine Festival, kagura is performed by local dancers and musicians.
Food Stalls
A variety of food stalls are set up at the festival, selling traditional Japanese festival foods such as yakitori, takoyaki, and okonomiyaki. There are also stalls selling souvenirs and crafts.
Bonfire
On the evening of the festival, a large bonfire is lit in the grounds of the shrine. People gather around the bonfire to pray for good luck and to ward off evil spirits.
Blessings and Deities
Kojiro Inari Shrine is dedicated to Inari Okami, the Shinto deity of rice and sake. Inari Okami is also known as the god of prosperity and success in business. People pray to Inari Okami for good harvests, financial success, and protection from fire.
- Deity: Inari Okami
- Blessings: Good harvests, financial success, protection from fire
Origin and History
The origins of Kojiro Inari Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the early 19th century. The shrine was originally located on a hilltop in Shirokanedai, but it was moved to its current location in 1923 after the Great Kanto Earthquake.
- Founded: Early 19th century
- Original location: Hilltop in Shirokanedai
- Current location: 1-1-7 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Kojiro Inari Shrine is a popular destination for visitors, especially during the annual festival in April. Here are some tips and notes for visitors:
- The shrine is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Admission is free.
- The festival is held on April 17th each year.
- The shrine is a short walk from Shirokanedai Station on the Tokyo Metro南北線.
Parking Information
There is no parking lot at Kojiro Inari Shrine. However, there are several public parking lots nearby.
- Shirokanedai Station Parking Lot
- Shirokanedai Heights Parking Lot
- Shirokanedai Park Parking Lot
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. |
