Shirokane’s shrine festival with cats

Basic Information

Shirokane Hikawa Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the Shirokanedai district of Minato, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the deities Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Yamato Takeru, and Kushinada-hime.

• Address: 2-1-7 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0072
• Phone Number: 03-3441-8842
• Access: 4-minute walk from the 3rd exit of Shirokanedai Station on the Tokyo Metro南北線 and Toei Mita Line, or a 2-minute walk from the Sanko坂下 bus stop on the Todai-Shibuya bus line.
• Festival Days: Third Saturday and Sunday of September

Main Events and Attractions of the Festival

The Shirokane Hikawa 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

One of the highlights of the festival is the mikoshi procession, where portable shrines are carried through the streets of the neighborhood. The mikoshi are decorated with elaborate carvings and ornaments, and they are carried by teams of people. The procession is accompanied by music and dancing, and it creates a festive atmosphere.

Kagura Performance

Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance and music performance that is often performed at Shinto festivals. At the Shirokane Hikawa Shrine Festival, kagura performances are held on a stage in front of the shrine. The performances tell stories from Japanese mythology, and they are accompanied by beautiful music and costumes.

Food Stalls

No Japanese festival is complete without food stalls! At the Shirokane Hikawa Shrine Festival, there are many food stalls selling a variety of delicious treats. You can find everything from traditional Japanese dishes like yakitori and takoyaki to more modern fare like hamburgers and hot dogs.

Games and Activities

There are also a number of games and activities for children at the festival. These include things like ring toss, beanbag toss, and goldfish scooping. There are also often rides and other attractions for children to enjoy.

Fireworks Display

The Shirokane Hikawa Shrine Festival concludes with a spectacular fireworks display. The fireworks are launched from a barge in the nearby Shiba Park, and they light up the night sky with their brilliant colors.

Blessings and Deities

Shirokane Hikawa Shrine is dedicated to three deities: Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Yamato Takeru, and Kushinada-hime. Susanoo-no-Mikoto is the god of storms, the sea, and agriculture. He is also known for his role in slaying the eight-headed serpent Yamata no Orochi. Yamato Takeru is a legendary hero who is said to have conquered eastern Japan. Kushinada-hime is the daughter of Susanoo-no-Mikoto and the wife of Yamato Takeru. She is the goddess of fertility and childbirth.

• Susanoo-no-Mikoto: God of storms, the sea, and agriculture
• Yamato Takeru: Legendary hero who conquered eastern Japan
• Kushinada-hime: Goddess of fertility and childbirth

Origin and History

The origins of Shirokane Hikawa Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the 7th century. The shrine was originally located in a different part of Tokyo, but it was moved to its current location in the 17th century. The shrine was destroyed by fire in the 19th century, but it was rebuilt in the early 20th century.

• Founded: 7th century
• Moved to current location: 17th century
• Destroyed by fire: 19th century
• Rebuilt: Early 20th century

Tips and Notes for Visitors

Here are some tips and notes for visitors to the Shirokane Hikawa Shrine Festival:

• The festival is held on the third Saturday and Sunday of September each year.
• The festival is very popular, so it is important to arrive early to avoid crowds.
• There are a number of food stalls at the festival, so you can enjoy a variety of delicious treats.
• There are also a number of games and activities for children at the festival.
• The festival concludes with a spectacular fireworks display.

Parking Information

There is limited parking available at the Shirokane Hikawa Shrine. However, there are a number of public parking lots in the area. You can also take public transportation to the shrine. The closest station is Shirokanedai Station on the Tokyo Metro南北線 and Toei Mita Line.

• Limited parking available at the shrine
• Public parking lots in the area
• Take public transportation to the shrine
• Closest station: Shirokanedai Station

Popular Stalls and Food Carts in Recent Years