Enchanting shrine festival with illuminated fox spirits
Basic Information
Inokashira Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the Gotenyama neighborhood of Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the deity Benzaiten, the goddess of music, entertainment, wealth, and knowledge.
- Address: 1-18-6 Gotenyama, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-0051
- Phone Number: 03-3468-0511
- Access: 5-minute walk from Inokashira-koen Station on the Keio Inokashira Line
- Festival Days: September 19th (Fri), September 20th (Sat), September 21st (Sun), 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Inokashira 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
One of the highlights of the festival is the mikoshi procession. A mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets by a group of people. The Inokashira Shrine mikoshi is particularly large and impressive, and it is carried by a team of over 100 people. The procession winds its way through the streets of Gotenyama, accompanied by music and dancing.
Kagura Performance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance that is performed at Shinto shrines. During the Inokashira Shrine Festival, kagura is performed by a group of young women dressed in colorful costumes. The dance is accompanied by music played on traditional Japanese instruments, and it tells the story of the shrine’s deity, Benzaiten.
Food Stalls
No Japanese festival is complete without food stalls! At the Inokashira Shrine Festival, there are many stalls selling a variety of delicious foods, including yakitori, takoyaki, and okonomiyaki. There are also stalls selling souvenirs and crafts.
Bon Odori
Bon Odori is a traditional Japanese dance that is performed during the Obon festival. During the Inokashira Shrine Festival, Bon Odori is performed by a group of people in the evening. The dance is accompanied by music played on traditional Japanese instruments, and it is a great way to experience Japanese culture.
Blessings and Deities
Inokashira Shrine is dedicated to the deity Benzaiten, the goddess of music, entertainment, wealth, and knowledge. Benzaiten is one of the Seven Lucky Gods of Japan, and she is said to bring good fortune and prosperity to those who worship her. She is also a popular deity among artists and musicians, who pray to her for inspiration and success.
- Deity: Benzaiten, the goddess of music, entertainment, wealth, and knowledge
- Benefits of Worship: Good fortune, prosperity, inspiration, success
Origin and History
The origins of Inokashira Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the 11th century. The shrine was originally located on the shores of Inokashira Pond, but it was moved to its current location in the 16th century. Inokashira Shrine has been a popular place of worship for centuries, and it is visited by many people each year, especially during the annual festival.
- Founded: 11th century
- Original Location: Shores of Inokashira Pond
- Current Location: Gotenyama, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to Inokashira Shrine:
- The shrine is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Admission is free.
- The annual festival is held on September 19th, 20th, and 21st.
- During the festival, there is a mikoshi procession, kagura performance, food stalls, and Bon Odori.
- The shrine is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in the spring.
Parking Information
There is no parking lot at Inokashira Shrine. However, there are several coin-operated parking lots in the surrounding area.
- Coin-operated parking lots are available in the surrounding area.
- Parking fees vary depending on the 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. |
