狛江’s divine festival of lights
Basic Information
I’ll write an overview.
- Address: 2-33-1 Nishinokawa, Komae-shi, Tokyo
- Phone Number: 03-3489-8105 (Izumi Shrine)
- Access: 35 minutes from Odakyu Line “Komae Station”
- Festival Days: 3rd Sunday of October
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
I’ll write an overview.
Mikoshi Procession
The highlight of the festival is the mikoshi procession, where a portable shrine is carried through the streets of Komae City. The mikoshi is decorated with colorful tapestries and carried by teams of people, who chant and dance as they make their way through the city.
- Overview: A lively procession of a portable shrine through the streets of Komae City.
- Features: The mikoshi is elaborately decorated and carried by teams of people, accompanied by traditional music and dance.
Kagura Performance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance and music performance that is often performed at Shinto shrines. During the Hachiman Shrine Festival, kagura performances are held at the shrine, offering visitors a chance to experience this ancient art form.
- Overview: A sacred dance and music performance rooted in Japanese tradition.
- Features: Performed by skilled kagura dancers, the performance includes graceful movements, rhythmic music, and colorful costumes.
Food Stalls
No Japanese festival is complete without food stalls! At the Hachiman Shrine Festival, visitors can enjoy a variety of traditional Japanese foods, such as yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), takoyaki (octopus balls), and taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes filled with sweet red bean paste).
- Overview: An array of food stalls offering a diverse selection of traditional Japanese cuisine.
- Features: From savory grilled meats to sweet treats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Blessings and Deities
The Hachiman Shrine is dedicated to the deity Hachiman, the god of war and guardian of warriors. Hachiman is revered for his bravery, strength, and protection, and is often worshipped by samurai and martial artists. Visitors to the shrine can pray for success in battle, victory over enemies, and protection from harm.
- Deity: Hachiman, the god of war and guardian of warriors
- Blessings: Success in battle, victory over enemies, protection from harm
Origin and History
The Hachiman Shrine was founded in 1063 by Minamoto no Yoriyoshi, a powerful samurai warrior. Yoriyoshi built the shrine to honor Hachiman, who he believed had helped him win a decisive battle. Over the centuries, the shrine has been rebuilt and expanded several times, and it is now one of the most important Shinto shrines in the Komae area.
- Founder: Minamoto no Yoriyoshi, a samurai warrior
- Year of Foundation: 1063
- Reason for Founding: To honor Hachiman for helping Yoriyoshi win a battle
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to the Hachiman Shrine Festival:
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
- Bring a camera to capture the beautiful sights of the festival.
- Arrive early to get a good spot to view the mikoshi procession.
- Be respectful of the shrine and its customs.
- Enjoy the festival and all it has to offer!
Parking Information
There is limited parking available at the Hachiman Shrine. Visitors are encouraged to use public transportation or park in nearby parking lots and walk to the shrine.
- Limited parking available at the shrine
- Use public transportation or park in nearby parking lots
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. |
