Whale-shaped lanterns dance at Kagata Shrine

Basic Information

Kagata Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Higashi-Shinagawa, Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo, Japan.

• Address: 1-7-17 Higashi-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 140-0002
• Phone Number: Not available
• Access: 6-minute walk from Kitashinagawa Station on the Keikyu Line
• Festival Days: May 1st (Wednesday), 2024

Main Events and Attractions of the Festival

The Kagata 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 mikoshi of Kagata 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 in the streets of Shinagawa.

Shishimai Dance

Another popular attraction of the festival is the shishimai dance. Shishimai is a traditional Japanese lion dance that is often performed at festivals and other special events. The shishimai dance at Kagata Shrine is performed by a group of young men who wear lion costumes and dance to the beat of drums and gongs. The dance is said to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.

Food Stalls

No Japanese festival is complete without food stalls! At Kagata Shrine Festival, there are a variety of food stalls selling a wide range of delicious treats. Some of the most popular items include yakisoba (fried noodles), takoyaki (octopus balls), and kakigori (shaved ice). There are also a number of stalls selling souvenirs and crafts.

Bon Odori Dance

On the evening of the festival, there is a bon odori dance held at Kagata Shrine. Bon odori is a traditional Japanese folk dance that is performed during the Obon festival, which is a time to honor the spirits of the dead. The bon odori dance at Kagata Shrine is open to everyone, and it is a great opportunity to experience this traditional Japanese dance.

Blessings and Deities

Kagata Shrine is dedicated to the deity Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto, who is associated with good fortune, bountiful harvests, and prosperous business. She is also known as Benzaiten, the goddess of music, entertainment, and wealth.

• Deity: Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto (also known as Benzaiten)
• Blessings: Good fortune, bountiful harvests, prosperous business, music, entertainment, wealth

Origin and History

The origins of Kagata Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the early 17th century by Takuan Soho, a Zen monk who was instrumental in the spread of Zen Buddhism in Japan. The shrine was originally located on a sandbar at the mouth of the Meguro River, but it was moved to its current location in the late 19th century.

• Founder: Takuan Soho
• Date of Foundation: Early 17th century
• Original Location: Sandbar at the mouth of the Meguro River
• Current Location: 1-7-17 Higashi-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 140-0002

Tips and Notes for Visitors

Here are some tips and notes for visitors to Kagata 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 avoid visiting during these times if you are looking for a quiet experience.
• There is a small parking lot available for visitors.
• The shrine is located a short walk from Kitashinagawa Station on the Keikyu Line.

Parking Information

There is a small parking lot available for visitors to Kagata Shrine. The parking lot is located behind the shrine, and it can accommodate up to 10 cars. Parking is free of charge.

Popular Stalls and Food Carts in Recent Years