Northzawa Hachimangu Shrine: A vibrant festival of colors and traditions
Basic Information
Discover the vibrant 2024 Kitazawa Hachimangu Shrine Festival in Setagaya, Tokyo.
- Address: 3-25-3, Dazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 155-0032
- Phone Number: 03-3422-1370
- Access: 7-minute walk from Ikegami Line Ikegami Station, 13-minute walk from Odakyu Line and Keio Inokashira Line Shimokitazawa Station
- Festival Days: First Saturday and Sunday of September (September 7th and 8th in 2024)
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
Immerse yourself in the vibrant festivities and rich traditions of the 2024 Kitazawa Hachimangu Shrine Festival in Setagaya, Tokyo.
Mikoshi Procession
Witness the grandeur of the Mikoshi Procession, a highlight of the festival. The elaborately decorated portable shrine, known as Mikoshi, is carried through the streets by local residents, accompanied by lively music and traditional dance performances.
- Content: Procession of the Mikoshi portable shrine
- Features: Elaborate decorations, lively music, and traditional dance performances
Shishimai Dance
Be captivated by the mesmerizing Shishimai Dance, a traditional lion dance performed by skilled dancers. The lion’s movements symbolize warding off evil spirits and bringing good fortune to the community.
- Content: Traditional lion dance performance
- Features: Skilled dancers, symbolic movements, and colorful costumes
Yatai Village
Indulge in a variety of culinary delights at the Yatai Village, a lively food market lined with stalls offering traditional Japanese street food and local specialties. From savory snacks to refreshing drinks, there’s something for every palate.
- Content: Food market with various stalls
- Features: Traditional Japanese street food, local specialties, and diverse culinary options
Blessings and Deities
Discover the divine blessings and deities revered at the Kitazawa Hachimangu Shrine.
- Enshrined Deities:
- Ojin Tenno (Emperor Ojin): God of war, victory, and politics
- Himegami: Goddess of beauty, fertility, and good fortune
- Jingu Kogo (Empress Jingu): Goddess of safe childbirth and maritime safety
- Nintoku Tenno (Emperor Nintoku): God of agriculture, prosperity, and peace
- Benefits and Blessings:
- 厄除け (Yakuyoke): Protection from evil spirits and misfortunes
- 無病息災 (Mubyo Sokusai): Good health and freedom from illness
- 開運招福 (Kaiun Sho Fuku): Good luck and fortune
- 縁結び (Enmusubi): Successful relationships and marriage
- 子宝 (Kobo): Fertility and childbirth
Origin and History
Unravel the rich history and origins of the Kitazawa Hachimangu Shrine.
- Establishment: Around 500 years ago, during the Bunmei era (1469-1487)
- Founder: Kira Yoshiyasu, the lord of Setagaya Castle
- Purpose: To protect the northern border of Setagaya Castle from evil spirits
- Historical Significance: The shrine has been a center of faith and community gatherings for centuries, playing an important role in the history of Setagaya.
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to the Kitazawa Hachimangu Shrine with these tips.
- Festival Crowds: Expect large crowds during the annual festival held on the first Saturday and Sunday of September.
- Public Transportation: The shrine is easily accessible by public transportation. Take the Ikegami Line to Ikegami Station or the Odakyu Line and Keio Inokashira Line to Shimokitazawa Station, followed by a short walk.
- Photography: Photography is generally permitted within the shrine grounds, but it’s always polite to ask for permission before taking pictures of people or religious ceremonies.
- Respectful Attire: While there is no strict dress code, visitors are encouraged to dress respectfully when visiting the shrine.
Parking Information
Find convenient parking options near the Kitazawa Hachimangu Shrine.
- On-Site Parking: The shrine does not have its own parking lot, but there are several coin-operated parking lots in the surrounding area.
- Nearby Parking Lots:
- Times Parking Setagaya Dazawa 10
- San Park Setagaya Dazawa 2
- Rilo no Chushajo Dazawa 3-chome
- Public Transportation: To avoid parking hassles, consider using public transportation to reach the shrine.
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. |
