Juban Inari Shrine: A Journey Through History and Tradition
Basic Information
Juban Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Azabu Juban, Minato, Tokyo, Japan. It is one of the ten shrines of Tokyo and is dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and sake.
- Address: 1-4-6 Azabu Juban, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0045
- Phone Number: 03-3583-6250
- Access: 5-minute walk from Exit 4 of Tokyo Metro Namboku Line, Azabu Juban Station, or 0-minute walk from Exit 7 of Tokyo Metro Oedo Line, Azabu Juban Station
- Festival Days: Mid-September (Saturday and Sunday closest to September 16th and 17th) in 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Juban Inari 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
On both days of the festival,氏子 (ujiko) of each town association carry mikoshi (portable shrines) around the neighborhood. The mikoshi are decorated with colorful tapestries and streamers, and they are carried to the accompaniment of music and chanting. The mikoshi procession is a lively and festive sight, and it is a highlight of the festival.
Street Stalls
During the festival, the streets around Juban Inari Shrine are lined with street stalls selling a variety of food and drinks. Visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese festival foods such as yakisoba (fried noodles), takoyaki (octopus balls), and kakigori (shaved ice), as well as a variety of other snacks and drinks.
Kagura Performance
On both days of the festival, kagura (sacred Shinto music and dance) is performed at Juban Inari Shrine. Kagura is a traditional form of Japanese performing art that is often performed at Shinto shrines and festivals. The kagura performance at Juban Inari Shrine is a beautiful and moving sight, and it is a great opportunity to learn more about Japanese culture.
Benefits and Deities
Juban Inari Shrine is dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and sake. Inari is also associated with wealth and prosperity, and many people visit Juban Inari Shrine to pray for good fortune in business and finance. The shrine also offers a variety of amulets and talismans that are said to bring good luck and protection.
- Benefits: Good fortune in business and finance, wealth, prosperity
- Deities: Inari
Blessings and Deities
Juban Inari Shrine is dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and sake. Inari is also associated with wealth and prosperity, and many people visit Juban Inari Shrine to pray for good fortune in business and finance. The shrine also offers a variety of amulets and talismans that are said to bring good luck and protection.
- Benefits: Good fortune in business and finance, wealth, prosperity
- Deities: Inari
Origin and History
Juban Inari Shrine was originally two separate shrines: Suehiro Shrine and Takecho Inari Shrine. Both shrines were destroyed by fire during World War II, and they were later rebuilt and merged to form Juban Inari Shrine.
- Suehiro Shrine: Founded in the Keicho era (1596-1615), it was originally called Aoyagi Inari Shrine because of the many willow trees in its precincts. It was renamed Suehiro Shrine in the Meiji era (1868-1912).
- Takecho Inari Shrine: The date of its founding is unknown, but it is believed to have existed since the Kamakura period (1185-1333). It was originally called Takechiyo Inari Shrine, but it was renamed Takecho Inari Shrine in the Edo period (1603-1868).
- Juban Inari Shrine: The two shrines were merged in 1998 to form Juban Inari Shrine. The current shrine building was completed in 1999.
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to Juban Inari Shrine:
- The shrine is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.
- Admission is free.
- The shrine is a popular tourist destination, so it can be crowded during peak times.
- There is a small parking lot available for visitors.
- The shrine is located in a residential area, so please be respectful of the neighbors.
Parking Information
There is a small parking lot available for visitors to Juban Inari Shrine. The parking lot is located next to the shrine, and it can accommodate about 10 cars.
- Parking fee: 500 yen per day
- Hours of operation: 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. |
