Gleaming lights, vibrant festival
Basic Information
Takayama Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Takanawa, Minato, Tokyo, Japan.
- Address: 4-10-23 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0074, Japan
- Phone Number: 03-3441-5010
- Access: 5-minute walk from Shinagawa Station on the JR Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, Tokaido Line, Yokosuka Line, and Sobu Line, or Keikyu Main Line.
- Festival Days: September 15th, 2024 (Reiwa 6)
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Takayama Inari Shrine Festival is an annual event that takes place on September 15th. The festival is dedicated to the god Inari, who is the patron of rice and sake. The festival features a variety of events and attractions, including:
Mikoshi Procession
A mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets during festivals. The Takayama Inari Shrine Festival features a mikoshi procession that starts at the shrine and winds its way through the surrounding neighborhood. The mikoshi is carried by a team of people, and it is believed that carrying the mikoshi brings good luck.
Kagura Performance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance that is performed at Shinto shrines. The Takayama Inari Shrine Festival features a kagura performance that is held in the shrine’s main hall. The kagura dance is performed by a group of young women, and it tells the story of the god Inari.
Food Stalls
The Takayama Inari Shrine Festival features a variety of food stalls that sell 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 bean paste).
Games and Activities
The Takayama Inari Shrine Festival also features a variety of games and activities for children. Some of the most popular games include ring toss, beanbag toss, and goldfish scooping. There are also a number of rides and attractions for children, such as a Ferris wheel and a merry-go-round.
Blessings and Deities
Takayama Inari Shrine is dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and sake. Inari is one of the most popular gods in Japan, and is often depicted as a white fox. Takayama Inari Shrine is a popular place to pray for good luck in business, good harvests, and safe travels.
- Deity: Inari, the god of rice and sake
- Benefits of praying: Good luck in business, good harvests, safe travels
Origin and History
Takayama Inari Shrine was founded in the 16th century. The shrine was originally located on a hilltop, but it was moved to its current location in the 19th century. The shrine has been rebuilt several times over the years, most recently in 1931.
- Founded: 16th century
- Original location: Hilltop
- Current location: 4-10-23 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0074, Japan
- Rebuilt: 1931
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Takayama Inari Shrine is a popular tourist destination, especially during the annual festival in September. If you are planning to visit the shrine, here are a few tips:
- Wear comfortable shoes. You will be doing a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
- Bring a camera. Takayama Inari Shrine is a beautiful place, so you will want to bring a camera to capture the memories.
- Be respectful. Takayama Inari Shrine is a religious site, so be respectful of the people who are there to pray.
Parking Information
There is no parking lot at Takayama Inari Shrine. However, there are several public parking lots nearby.
- Shinagawa Station Parking Lot: 5-minute walk from Takayama Inari Shrine
- Takanawa Parking Lot: 10-minute walk from Takayama Inari Shrine
- Minato-ku Parking Lot: 15-minute walk from Takayama Inari Shrine
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. |
