Enchanting Shrine Festival in Meguro
Basic Information
Takagi Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Minami, Meguro Ward, Tokyo, Japan.
- Address: 2-1-40 Minami, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
- Phone Number: N/A
- Access: A 7-minute walk from the east exit of Todai-mae Station on the Tokyu Oimachi Line
- Festival Days: September 9th and 10th, 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Takagi 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 Takagi Shrine mikoshi is a large and elaborate structure, and it is a sight to behold as it is carried through the streets. The procession is accompanied by music and dancing, and it is a great opportunity to experience the vibrant atmosphere of the festival.
Kagura Performance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance that is often performed at Shinto shrines. During the Takagi Shrine Festival, kagura is performed by a group of young women who are dressed in colorful costumes. The dance is graceful and elegant, and it is a beautiful sight to see.
Food Stalls
No Japanese festival is complete without food stalls! At the Takagi Shrine Festival, there are many food stalls selling a variety of delicious treats. You can find everything from traditional Japanese dishes to more modern fare. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as takoyaki (octopus balls) and yakisoba (fried noodles).
Games and Activities
There are also a number of games and activities for children at the Takagi Shrine Festival. These include things like goldfish scooping, ring toss, and face painting. There is something for everyone to enjoy at the festival, making it a great place to spend a day with family and friends.
Blessings and Deities
Takagi Shrine is dedicated to the deity Oonamuchi no Mikoto, also known as Okuninushi no Mikoto. He is a prominent figure in Japanese mythology and is revered as the god of agriculture, medicine, and matchmaking. Oonamuchi no Mikoto is believed to bring blessings of good health, bountiful harvests, and happy marriages to those who worship him.
- Deity: Oonamuchi no Mikoto (Okuninushi no Mikoto)
- Blessings: Good health, bountiful harvests, happy marriages
Origin and History
The origins of Takagi Shrine are shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to have been founded over a thousand years ago. The shrine was originally known as Rokuten Shrine and was dedicated to the six deities of the Rokuten faith. In the Meiji era, the shrine was renamed Takagi Shrine and became dedicated to Oonamuchi no Mikoto.
- Original Name: Rokuten Shrine
- Deities Originally Worshipped: Six deities of the Rokuten faith
- Current Name: Takagi Shrine
- Current Deity: Oonamuchi no Mikoto
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to Takagi Shrine:
- The shrine is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Admission is free.
- The shrine is a popular destination for weddings and other ceremonies, so it is best to visit during the week if you want to avoid crowds.
- There is a small parking lot available for visitors.
- The shrine is located in a quiet residential neighborhood, so please be respectful of the local residents.
Parking Information
There is a small parking lot available for visitors to Takagi Shrine. The parking lot is located behind the shrine and can accommodate about 10 cars. Parking is free of charge.
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. |