Shibuya’s shrine festival of lights

Basic Information

Hirata Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the spirit of Hirata Atsutane, a prominent Japanese scholar and nationalist of the late Edo period.

• Address: 3-8-10 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-0053
• Phone Number: 03-3370-7460
• Access: 7-minute walk from the west exit of JR Yoyogi Station, or a 5-minute walk from the south exit of Odakyu Minami-Shinjuku Station
• Festival Days: November 3rd, 2024

Main Events and Attractions of the Festival

The Hirata Shrine Festival is an annual event that celebrates the life and legacy of Hirata Atsutane, a prominent Japanese scholar and nationalist of the late Edo period. The festival is held on November 3rd of each year and features a variety of events and attractions, including:

Mikoshi Procession

The highlight of the festival is the mikoshi procession, in which a portable shrine carrying the spirit of Hirata Atsutane is paraded through the streets of Yoyogi. The procession is accompanied by music, dancing, and traditional Japanese costumes.

Kagura Performance

Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance and music performance that is often performed at Shinto shrines. During the Hirata Shrine Festival, kagura is performed by local children and adults as a way to pay respect to Hirata Atsutane and to celebrate Japanese culture.

Food and Games

The festival also features a variety of food and game stalls, where visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese dishes and snacks, as well as try their luck at various games.

Shinto Rituals

In addition to the above events, the festival also includes a number of Shinto rituals, such as the offering of prayers and the purification of the shrine grounds. These rituals are performed by the shrine’s priests and are a solemn and sacred part of the festival.

• Mikoshi Procession: Parade of a portable shrine carrying Hirata Atsutane’s spirit
• Kagura Performance: Traditional Japanese dance and music to honor Hirata Atsutane
• Food and Games: Stalls offering traditional Japanese dishes and snacks, as well as games
• Shinto Rituals: Prayers and purification ceremonies performed by shrine priests

Blessings and Deities

Hirata Shrine is dedicated to the spirit of Hirata Atsutane, a prominent Japanese scholar and nationalist of the late Edo period. Hirata Atsutane is revered for his contributions to Japanese culture and history, and is believed to bestow blessings of wisdom, knowledge, and success to those who visit his shrine.

• Deity: Hirata Atsutane
• Blessings: Wisdom, knowledge, success

Origin and History

Hirata Shrine was established in 1876, 36 years after the death of Hirata Atsutane. The shrine was originally located in Yanagishima, Sumida Ward, but was later moved to its current location in Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku in 1960. The shrine was rebuilt in 1982 and has since become a popular destination for those seeking blessings of wisdom and knowledge.

• Established: 1876
• Original Location: Yanagishima, Sumida Ward
• Current Location: Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku
• Rebuilt: 1982

Tips and Notes for Visitors

When visiting Hirata Shrine, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Hours: The shrine is open from 9am to 3pm on weekdays and from 9am to 4pm on weekends and holidays.
• Dress Code: There is no specific dress code for visiting the shrine, but it is customary to dress respectfully.
• Photography: Photography is allowed within the shrine grounds, but it is important to be respectful of other visitors and avoid taking pictures of people without their permission.
• Offerings: Visitors can make offerings to the shrine by purchasing ema (wooden plaques) or omikuji (fortune slips).

Parking Information

There is no parking lot at Hirata Shrine, but there are several public parking lots nearby. The closest parking lot is located about a 5-minute walk from the shrine.

• Parking Lot: None
• Nearby Public Parking: Available within a 5-minute walk

Popular Stalls and Food Carts in Recent Years