Enchanting lights adorn the night at Hikawa Shrine
Basic Information
Hikawa Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Ota Ward, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the god Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the god of storms and seas.
- Address: 1-27-7 Yaguchi, Ota City, Tokyo
- Phone Number: Not publicly available
- Access: 5-minute walk from Musashi-Shinden Station on the Tokyu Tamagawa Line
- Festival Days: Late August every other year (2024, 2026, etc.)
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Hikawa Shrine Festival is a grand festival held every other year in late August (2024, 2026, etc.) at Hikawa Shrine in Ota Ward, Tokyo. The festival features a variety of events and attractions, including:
Mikoshi Procession
The highlight of the festival is the mikoshi procession, where a portable shrine carrying the deity of the shrine is paraded through the streets of the neighborhood. The mikoshi is carried by teams of people, and the procession is accompanied by music and dancing.
Shishimai Dance
The shishimai dance is a traditional Japanese lion dance performed at the festival. The dance is performed by two people inside a lion costume, and it is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.
Yatai Village
During the festival, a yatai village is set up in the shrine grounds. Yatai are food stalls that sell a variety of Japanese festival foods, such as takoyaki, yakisoba, and kakigori.
Other Attractions
- Live music and performances
- Games and activities for children
- Sale of festival souvenirs and crafts
Blessings and Deities
Hikawa Shrine is dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the god of storms and seas. He is also known as a god of agriculture, business, and protection against evil.
- Blessings:厄除け (protection against evil), 開運 (good luck), 家内安全 (safety of the household), 商売繁盛 (prosperity in business), 嵐や疫病からの守護 (protection from storms and epidemics)
- Deities: Susanoo-no-Mikoto
Origin and History
different part of Ota Ward, but it was moved to its current location in 1958.
- Date of establishment: Unknown (Edo period)
- Original location: Different part of Ota Ward
- Current location: 1-27-7 Yaguchi, Ota City, Tokyo
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to Hikawa Shrine:
- The shrine is located in a residential area, so please be respectful of the neighbors.
- The shrine is small, so it can get crowded during festivals and other events. Please be patient and respectful of other visitors.
- Photography is allowed inside the shrine, but please refrain from taking pictures of people without their permission.
- There is no parking lot at the shrine, so visitors are advised to use public transportation or park in a nearby parking lot.
Parking Information
There is no parking lot at Hikawa Shrine. Visitors are advised to use public transportation or park in a nearby parking lot.
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. |
