Enchanting shrine festival in Tokyo, a fusion of tradition and modernity
Basic Information
Nihonbashi Hie Jinja Sessha is a branch shrine of Hie Jinja in Tameike Sannō, located in the bustling district of Nihonbashi, Chūō, Tokyo.
- Address: 1-6-16 Kayabacho, Nihonbashi, Chūō-ku, Tokyo 103-0025
- Phone Number: 03-3666-3574
- Access: 1-minute walk from Kayabacho Station (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line and Hibiya Line), 5-minute walk from Nihombashi Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line and Toei Asakusa Line)
- Festival Days: June 13th (Thursday), 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Nihonbashi Hie Jinja Sessha Festival is a vibrant and lively event that attracts many visitors each year. The festival features a variety of traditional Japanese performances and activities, as well as food stalls and games.
Mikoshi Procession
The highlight of the festival is the mikoshi procession, where a portable shrine is carried through the streets of Nihonbashi by festival participants. The mikoshi is believed to be inhabited by the deity of the shrine, and carrying it is considered a great honor.
Shishimai Dance
Another popular attraction is the shishimai dance, a traditional lion dance performed by two dancers wearing a lion costume. The shishimai is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.
Kagura Performance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance and music performance that is often performed at Shinto shrines. At the Nihonbashi Hie Jinja Sessha Festival, kagura is performed by shrine maidens and musicians, and it is a beautiful and moving sight to behold.
Food Stalls and Games
In addition to the traditional performances, the festival also features a variety of food stalls and games. Visitors can enjoy a variety of Japanese festival foods, such as takoyaki, yakisoba, and cotton candy. There are also games such as ring toss and goldfish scooping, which are popular with children and adults alike.
Blessings and Deities
Nihonbashi Hie Jinja Sessha is dedicated to four deities: Oyamakui no Kami, the god of mountains and forests; Asama no Okami, the goddess of volcanoes; Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning; and Inari no Okami, the god of rice and prosperity.
- Oyamakui no Kami: God of mountains and forests, revered for protection and bountiful harvests
- Asama no Okami: Goddess of volcanoes, associated with fire prevention and safe childbirth
- Sugawara no Michizane: God of learning and scholarship, worshipped by students and scholars
- Inari no Okami: God of rice and prosperity, revered for abundant harvests and business success
Origin and History
The origins of Nihonbashi Hie Jinja Sessha can be traced back to the Edo period, when it was established as a branch shrine of Hie Jinja in Tameike Sannō. The shrine was initially used as a place for enshrining the mikoshi (portable shrine) during the annual Hie Jinja festival. Over time, Nihonbashi Hie Jinja Sessha gradually gained independence and became a popular shrine in its own right.
- Established as a branch shrine of Hie Jinja in Tameike Sannō during the Edo period
- Initially served as a place to enshrine the mikoshi during the annual Hie Jinja festival
- Gained independence over time and became a popular shrine in its own right
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Nihonbashi Hie Jinja Sessha is a popular tourist destination, especially during the annual festival. Here are some tips and notes for visitors:
- The shrine is located in a busy area of Nihonbashi, so it is best to visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds.
- The shrine is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Admission to the shrine is free.
- There is a small parking lot available for visitors, but it is often full. It is recommended to use public transportation or park in a nearby parking garage.
- The shrine offers a variety of amulets and charms, which are popular souvenirs.
Parking Information
Nihonbashi Hie Jinja Sessha has a small parking lot available for visitors, but it is often full. The parking lot can accommodate up to two cars.
- Parking lot capacity: 2 cars
- Parking fee: Free
- Hours of operation: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
If the parking lot is full, visitors can park in a nearby parking garage. There are several parking garages within walking distance of 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. |
