Lanterns illuminate the night at Osaki Hachiman Shrine
Basic Information
Osaki Hachiman Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Osaki-cho, Hachioji City, Tokyo, Japan.
- Address: 90 Osaki-cho, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo 192-0014, Japan
- Phone Number: Unavailable
- Access: Take the Chuo Expressway Hachioji Interchange and proceed for about 20 minutes. Alternatively, take the Keio Line to Takaosan Station and transfer to the Nishi Tokyo Bus bound for Osaki. Get off at the Osaki bus stop and walk for about 5 minutes.
- Festival Days: April 15th, 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Osaki Hachiman 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
The mikoshi procession is the highlight of the festival. A mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets by a team of people. The mikoshi of Osaki Hachiman 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 is a sight to behold.
Lion Dance
The lion dance is another popular attraction at the festival. The lion dance is performed by a team of dancers who wear lion costumes. The dancers perform a series of acrobatic moves, and they often interact with the crowd. The lion dance is said to bring good luck and fortune, and it is a favorite of children and adults alike.
Other Attractions
- Food stalls: There are many food stalls at the festival, selling a variety of delicious Japanese foods. Some of the most popular foods include takoyaki, yakisoba, and cotton candy.
- Games: There are also a number of games and activities for children at the festival. These include ring toss, beanbag toss, and goldfish scooping.
- Performances: In addition to the mikoshi procession and lion dance, there are also a number of other performances at the festival. These include traditional Japanese music and dance performances, as well as modern pop music performances.
Blessings and Deities
Osaki Hachiman Shrine is dedicated to the deity Hachiman, the god of war and archery. Hachiman is one of the most important deities in the Shinto pantheon, and he is revered by many people in Japan. Hachiman is said to bring blessings of victory, success, and protection.
- Deity: Hachiman
- Blessings: Victory, success, protection
Origin and History
The origins of Osaki Hachiman Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the 12th century. The shrine was originally located in a different part of Hachioji, but it was moved to its current location in the 16th century. Osaki Hachiman Shrine has been a popular place of worship for centuries, and it is visited by many people each year.
- Founded: 12th century
- Moved to current location: 16th century
Tips and Notes for Visitors
If you are planning to visit Osaki Hachiman Shrine, here are a few tips and notes to keep in mind:
- The shrine is open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Admission is free.
- There is a parking lot available for visitors.
- The shrine is a popular tourist destination, so it can be crowded during peak times.
- If you are visiting the shrine during a festival, be sure to check the schedule of events in advance.
Parking Information
There is a parking lot available for visitors to Osaki Hachiman Shrine. The parking lot is located a short walk from the shrine.
- Location: A short walk from the shrine
- Fee: Free
- Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
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. |
