Gleaming lights, divine spirits, 袖ヶ崎 festival
Basic Information
Sleevesヶ崎 Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Higashi-Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the deities Toyouke-bime-no-kami, Amaterasu-omikami, Homuda-wake-no-mikoto, Sugawara-no-Michizane, Take-mikazuchi-no-mikoto, Futsunushi-no-mikoto, Shiotsuchi-no-oji, and Ichikishima-hime-no-mikoto.
- Address: 3-6-20 Higashi-Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-0022
- Phone Number: Unavailable
- Access: A 2-minute walk from the A1 exit of the Toei Asakusa Line, Takanodai Station
- Festival Days: October 1st Saturday and Sunday, 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Sleevesヶ崎 Shrine Festival is an annual event that takes place on October 1st Saturday and Sunday. The festival features a variety of events and attractions, including:
Mikoshi Procession
The highlight of the festival is the mikoshi procession, which takes place on both days of the festival. The mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets by a team of people. The procession is accompanied by music and dancing, and it is a lively and colorful event.
Kagura Performance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance that is often performed at Shinto shrines. During the Sleevesヶ崎 Shrine Festival, kagura performances are held on both days of the festival. The performances are typically held in the shrine’s main hall, and they are a beautiful and moving sight.
Food Stalls
A variety of food stalls are set up at the festival, selling a variety of Japanese foods, such as yakitori, takoyaki, and okonomiyaki. There are also a number of stalls selling souvenirs and crafts.
Bonfire
On the evening of the second day of the festival, a bonfire is lit in the shrine grounds. The bonfire is a symbol of purification and renewal, and it is a beautiful sight to see.
Blessings and Deities
Sleevesヶ崎 Shrine is dedicated to eight deities, each with their own unique blessings and associations:
- Toyouke-bime-no-kami: The goddess of food, agriculture, and industry. She is also known as the guardian deity of kitchens and cooking.
- Amaterasu-omikami: The sun goddess and the most important deity in the Shinto pantheon. She is associated with light, warmth, and life.
- Homuda-wake-no-mikoto: The god of fire and the protector of homes and families. He is also known as the god of metalworking and blacksmithing.
- Sugawara-no-Michizane: A scholar and politician who was deified after his death. He is the patron deity of students and scholars, and he is also associated with calligraphy and poetry.
- Take-mikazuchi-no-mikoto: The god of thunder and lightning. He is also a warrior god and a protector of the nation.
- Futsunushi-no-mikoto: The god of the sword and the patron deity of warriors. He is also associated with victory and success.
- Shiotsuchi-no-oji: The god of salt and the patron deity of fishermen and sailors. He is also associated with purification and healing.
- Ichikishima-hime-no-mikoto: The goddess of sake and the patron deity of brewers and merchants. She is also associated with good luck and prosperity.
Origin and History
The origins of Sleevesヶ崎 Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the 12th century. The shrine was originally dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and agriculture. In the 19th century, the shrine was renamed Sleevesヶ崎 Shrine and its main deity was changed to Toyouke-bime-no-kami, the goddess of food and agriculture.
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to Sleevesヶ崎 Shrine:
- The shrine is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Admission to the shrine is free.
- There is a small parking lot available for visitors.
- The shrine is a popular spot for weddings and other ceremonies.
- Visitors are asked to be respectful of the shrine and its surroundings.
Parking Information
There is a small parking lot available for visitors to Sleevesヶ崎 Shrine. The parking lot is located on the south side of the shrine, next to the main entrance. There is no charge for parking.
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. |
