Enchanting shrine festival with vibrant lanterns
Basic Information
Rokushano Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Hachioji City, Tokyo, Japan.
- Address: 590 Naganumacho, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0907, Japan
- Phone Number: Not available
- Access: 4-minute walk from Naganuma Station on the Keio Line
- Festival Days: August 25th and 26th, 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Rokushano Shrine Summer Festival is a lively and colorful event that attracts many visitors each year. The festival features a variety of traditional Japanese entertainment and activities, including:
Mikoshi Procession
One of the main highlights of the festival is the mikoshi procession. A mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets by a team of people. The mikoshi is believed to be inhabited by the deity of the shrine, and the procession is a way to show respect and gratitude to the deity.
Shishimai Dance
The shishimai dance is a traditional Japanese lion dance. The dance is performed by two people, one wearing a lion head and the other wearing a lion body. The lion is believed to be a guardian spirit, and the dance is a way to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.
Kagura Performance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese performing art that combines music, dance, and storytelling. Kagura performances are often held at Shinto shrines and temples, and they are a way to entertain and educate the audience about Japanese mythology and history.
Food Stalls
No Japanese festival is complete without food stalls! At the Rokushano Shrine Summer Festival, you can find a variety of delicious Japanese food, including takoyaki, yakisoba, and cotton candy.
Games and Activities
In addition to the traditional entertainment, the festival also features a variety of games and activities for children and adults alike. These include goldfish scooping, ring toss, and a haunted house.
Blessings and Deities
Rokushano Shrine is dedicated to six deities, each of whom is believed to bestow different blessings upon worshippers:
- Izanagi-no-Mikoto: The god of creation and life
- Izanami-no-Mikoto: The goddess of creation and death
- Ryujin: The god of the sea and rain
- Susanoo-no-Mikoto: The god of storms and the sea
- Inari-no-Mikoto: The god of rice and agriculture
- Tokugawa Ieyasu: The founder of the Tokugawa shogunate
Origin and History
Rokushano Shrine was founded in 1879 when six smaller shrines in the Naganuma area were merged together. The six shrines were:
- Yakenomiya Shrine
- Kumano Shrine
- Hie Shrine
- Yasaka Shrine
- Toshogu Shrine
- Goryusha Shrine
The shrine’s name, Rokushano, means “six shrines.” The shrine’s main building was built in 1880 and is a designated cultural property of Hachioji City.
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to Rokushano Shrine:
- The shrine is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day.
- Admission to the shrine is free.
- The shrine is a popular spot for weddings and other ceremonies.
- There is a small parking lot available for visitors.
- The shrine is located in a quiet residential area. Please be respectful of the neighbors.
Parking Information
There is a small parking lot available for visitors to Rokushano Shrine. The parking lot is located behind the shrine’s main building. 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. |
