荻窪’s divine festival of lights

Basic Information

Here’s an overview of the 2024 Ogiwara Hakusan Shrine Suginami Ward Festival.

• Address: 1-21-7 Kami-Ogi, Suginami-ku, Tokyo
• Phone Number: 03-3398-0517
• Access: 5-minute walk from the west exit of JR/Marunouchi Line Ogikubo Station
• Festival Days: September 7th (Sat) and 8th (Sun), 2024

Main Events and Attractions of the Festival

The 2024 Ogiwara Hakusan Shrine Suginami Ward Festival offers a variety of exciting events and attractions for visitors of all ages.

Mikoshi Procession

One of the main highlights of the festival is the Mikoshi Procession, where a portable shrine is carried through the streets of Ogikubo by local residents. The procession is accompanied by traditional music and dance, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. Visitors can witness this spectacle and experience the vibrant culture of the area.

Kagura Performance

Another popular attraction is the Kagura Performance, a traditional Japanese dance and music ritual. Performed by skilled Kagura dancers, this sacred dance is believed to bring good fortune and purification. Visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty and spirituality of this ancient art form.

Food Stalls

The festival also features a variety of food stalls offering a wide selection of delicious Japanese cuisine. From classic festival favorites like yakitori and takoyaki to local specialties, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Visitors can indulge in these culinary delights while soaking up the festive atmosphere.

Games and Activities

For those looking for some fun and entertainment, the festival offers a range of games and activities. From traditional games like ring toss and goldfish scooping to more modern attractions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Visitors can test their skills, win prizes, and create lasting memories.

Blessings and Deities

The Ogiwara Hakusan Shrine is dedicated to the deity Izanami-no-Mikoto, the goddess of creation and life. She is believed to bestow blessings of fertility, safe childbirth, and good health. Visitors to the shrine often pray for her protection and guidance in these areas of life.

Origin and History

The origins of the Ogiwara Hakusan Shrine can be traced back to the Muromachi period (1336-1573). It is said that a local lord named Nakata Kaga-no-Kami enshrined five deities (Go-sha-gon-gen) on his estate. Over time, the shrine grew in popularity and became the guardian shrine of the Ogiwara village. In 1919, the shrine was renamed Ogiwara Hakusan Shrine.

Tips and Notes for Visitors

When visiting the Ogiwara Hakusan Shrine, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Dress respectfully: As with all Shinto shrines, visitors are expected to dress respectfully when visiting the Ogiwara Hakusan Shrine. This means avoiding shorts, tank tops, and other casual attire.
• Purify yourself before entering: Before entering the main shrine building, visitors should purify themselves by washing their hands and rinsing their mouths at the water fountain.
• Offer a prayer: To offer a prayer at the shrine, first bow twice, then clap your hands twice, and finally bow once more. You can then make your offering and say a silent prayer.
• Receive a fortune: After praying, you can receive a fortune by shaking a box containing wooden sticks and selecting one. The fortune will be written in Japanese, but there are English translations available.

Parking Information

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

Popular Stalls and Food Carts in Recent Years