Enchanting Shrine Festival in Ome City

Basic Information

Hihara Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Ome City, Tokyo, Japan.

• Address: 2-820 Kurosawa, Ome, Tokyo 198-0022
• Phone Number: 0428-78-8001
• Access: Approximately 20 minutes by bus from Ome Station, then a 5-minute walk from Kurosawa bus stop
• Festival Days: September 19th (Reiwa 6)

Main Events and Attractions of the Festival

The Hihara 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 mikoshi procession is the highlight of the festival. A mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets by a team of people. The mikoshi of Hihara Shrine is particularly large and impressive, and it is carried by a team of over 100 people. The procession is accompanied by music and dancing, and it creates a festive atmosphere throughout the city.

獅子舞

獅子舞, or lion dance, is a traditional Japanese dance performed by two people inside a lion costume. The lion is believed to bring good luck and fortune, and its appearance at the Hihara Shrine Festival is a popular attraction. The lion dances to the beat of drums and gongs, and it interacts with the crowd, blessing them with good luck.

Taiko Drumming

Taiko drumming is a powerful and energetic form of Japanese drumming. At the Hihara Shrine Festival, a group of taiko drummers perform a series of traditional and contemporary pieces. The drumming is sure to get your heart racing and add to the excitement of the festival.

Food Stalls

No Japanese festival is complete without food stalls! At the Hihara Shrine Festival, you can find a wide variety of food stalls selling everything from traditional Japanese dishes to modern festival favorites. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as ome soba (buckwheat noodles) and umeboshi (pickled plums).

Blessings and Deities

Hihara Shrine is dedicated toenmusubi), and good fortune. He is also associated with agriculture, medicine, and sake brewing.

• and History

  The origins of Hihara Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded during the Heian period (794-1185). The shrine was originally located in a different part of Ome City, but it was moved to its current location in the 17th century.

  • Founded: Heian period (794-1185)
  • Moved to current location: 17th century

  Tips and Notes for Visitors

  Here are some tips and notes for visitors to Hihara Shrine:

  • The shrine is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
  • Admission is free.
  • The festival is held on September 19th each year.
  • The shrine is a popular spot for weddings and other ceremonies.
  • There is a small parking lot available for visitors.

  Parking Information

  There is a small parking lot available for visitors to Hihara Shrine. The parking lot is located next to the shrine, and it can accommodate about 20 cars.

  • Location: Next to the shrine
  • Capacity: 20 cars

  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.