Enchanting Shrine Festival Illuminates Tama City

Basic Information

Hachiman Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Toyooka, Tama City, Tokyo, Japan.

• Address: 1-21-5 Toyooka, Tama City, Tokyo 192-0032, Japan
• Phone Number: 042-373-0740
• Access: 8-minute walk from Keio Sagamihara Line/Odakyu Tama Line Tama Center Station
• Festival Days: Second Sunday of September

Main Events and Attractions of the Festival

The Hachiman Shrine Festival in Tama City 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 group of people. The Hachiman Shrine mikoshi 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 throughout the city.

Lion Dance

Another popular attraction at the festival is the lion dance. The lion dance is a traditional Japanese dance that is performed by two people inside a lion costume. The lion is believed to bring good luck and fortune, and its appearance at the festival is always met with great excitement.

Food Stalls

No Japanese festival would be complete without food stalls! At the Hachiman Shrine Festival, you can find a wide variety of delicious Japanese food, including yakitori, takoyaki, and okonomiyaki. There are also many stalls selling souvenirs and crafts.

Fireworks Display

The festival concludes with a spectacular fireworks display. The fireworks are launched from a nearby park, and they light up the night sky with their brilliant colors. The fireworks display is a fitting end to a day of celebration and fun.

Blessings and Deities

The Hachiman Shrine in Tama City is dedicated to the deity Ojin Tenno, the 15th emperor of Japan. Ojin Tenno is revered as the god of war and victory, and he is also associated with agriculture and prosperity. The shrine also enshrines the deities Himegami and Okinagatarashihime, who are associated with fertility and childbirth.

• Ojin Tenno: God of war and victory, agriculture, and prosperity
• Himegami: Goddess of fertility and childbirth
• Okinagatarashihime: Goddess of fertility and childbirth

Origin and History

The Hachiman Shrine in Tama City has a long and storied history. It is believed to have been founded in the year 1490, during the Muromachi period. The shrine was originally located in a different part of Tama City, but it was moved to its current location in 1979 due to the construction of a new town. The shrine has been a popular place of worship for centuries, and it continues to attract many visitors today.

Tips and Notes for Visitors

If you are planning to visit the Hachiman Shrine Festival, here are a few tips and notes to keep in mind:

• Wear comfortable shoes: You will be doing a lot of walking during the festival, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
• Bring cash: Many of the food and souvenir stalls at the festival only accept cash, so make sure to bring enough yen with you.
• Be prepared for crowds: The festival is very popular, so be prepared for large crowds. If you are traveling with children, make sure to keep an eye on them at all times.
• Enjoy the atmosphere: The Hachiman Shrine Festival is a great opportunity to experience Japanese culture and traditions. Take some time to enjoy the music, dancing, and other entertainment.

Parking Information

There is no parking lot at the Hachiman Shrine. However, there are several public parking lots located nearby. The closest parking lot is the Tama Center Parking Lot, which is located a 5-minute walk from the shrine. The parking lot has a capacity of 500 cars, and the parking fee is 300 yen per day.

Popular Stalls and Food Carts in Recent Years