Divine illumination: A sacred night festival of lights

Basic Information

Hiyoshi Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Akishima, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the deities Ōyamazumi, Kanayamahiko, and Kayamahiko.

• Address: 1-10-19 Haijimacho, Akishima-shi, Tokyo 196-0002
• Phone Number: 042-544-0636
• Access: 24-minute walk from拝島駅 (Haijima Station) or a 3-minute walk from 拝島大師 (Haijima Daishi) bus stop.
• Festival Days: Third Saturday and Sunday of September (September 21st and 22nd in 2024)

Main Events and Attractions of the Festival

The Hiyoshi Shrine Festival is a two-day festival held annually on the third Saturday and Sunday of September. It is one of the largest and most popular festivals in Akishima City, attracting over 100,000 visitors each year.

榊 Festival

The highlight of the festival is the 榊 (sakaki) Festival, which takes place on the evening of the first day. The festival begins with a parade of portable shrines (mikoshi) through the streets of Akishima. The mikoshi are carried by teams of young men, and they are accompanied by musicians and dancers.

• Content: Parade of portable shrines (mikoshi) through the streets of Akishima
• Features: Teams of young men carry the mikoshi, accompanied by musicians and dancers

Kagura Performance

On the second day of the festival, a kagura performance is held at the Hiyoshi Shrine. Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance and music performance that is often performed at Shinto shrines. The kagura performance at the Hiyoshi Shrine Festival is a special opportunity to see this traditional art form.

• Content: Traditional Japanese dance and music performance
• Features: Performed at Shinto shrines, the kagura at Hiyoshi Shrine is a special opportunity to witness this art form

Food Stalls

During the festival, there are many food stalls set up around the Hiyoshi Shrine. These stalls sell a variety of traditional Japanese foods, such as yakitori, takoyaki, and okonomiyaki. There are also many stalls selling souvenirs and crafts.

• Content: Variety of traditional Japanese foods, souvenirs, and crafts
• Features: Yakitori, takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and more

Blessings and Deities

The Hiyoshi Shrine is dedicated to three deities: Ōyamazumi, Kanayamahiko, and Kayamahiko. Ōyamazumi is the god of mountains and agriculture, Kanayamahiko is the god of metalworking and industry, and Kayamahiko is the god of wind and rain.

• Ōyamazumi: God of mountains and agriculture
• Kanayamahiko: God of metalworking and industry
• Kayamahiko: God of wind and rain

Visitors to the Hiyoshi Shrine can pray to these deities for blessings in various areas of their lives, such as good health, prosperity, and success in business.

Origin and History

The Hiyoshi Shrine was founded in 947 AD by Murakami Tennō, the 62nd emperor of Japan. The shrine was originally located on Mount Hiyoshi in Kyoto, but it was moved to its current location in Akishima City in 1573.

• Founded in 947 AD by Murakami Tennō
• Originally located on Mount Hiyoshi in Kyoto
• Moved to current location in Akishima City in 1573

The Hiyoshi Shrine has a long and rich history, and it has been visited by many famous people over the years, including the samurai warlord Tokugawa Ieyasu and the emperor Meiji.

Tips and Notes for Visitors

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

• The festival is very popular, so it is important to arrive early to avoid crowds.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
• Bring a camera to capture the many sights and sounds of the festival.
• Be respectful of the shrine and its customs.
• Enjoy the festival and all that it has to offer!

Parking Information

There is limited parking available at the Hiyoshi Shrine. Visitors are encouraged to use public transportation or park in nearby parking lots.

• Limited parking available at the Hiyoshi Shrine
• Use public transportation or park in nearby parking lots

Popular Stalls and Food Carts in Recent Years