Enchanting fox spirits dance under the moonlight
Basic Information
Yaegaki Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Koganei City, Tokyo, Japan.
- Address: 3-14-7 Nakamachi, Koganei-shi, Tokyo
- Phone Number: 042-383-5407
- Access: 10-minute walk from Musashi-Koganei Station on the JR Chuo Line
- Festival Days: October 3rd Sunday and the following Monday in 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Yaegaki Inari Shrine Festival is an annual event that takes place over two days in October. The festival features a variety of events and attractions, including:
Mikoshi Procession
A highlight of the festival is the mikoshi procession, which takes place on the second day of the festival. A mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets by a group of people. The Yaegaki Inari Shrine mikoshi is a large and elaborate structure, and it is a sight to behold as it is carried through the streets of Koganei.
Kagura Performance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance and music performance that is often performed at Shinto shrines. During the Yaegaki Inari Shrine Festival, kagura performances are held on both days of the festival. The performances are typically held in the shrine’s main hall, and they are a great opportunity to learn more about Japanese culture and tradition.
Food Stalls
No Japanese festival is complete without food stalls, and the Yaegaki Inari Shrine Festival is no exception. A variety of food stalls are set up on the festival grounds, selling everything from traditional Japanese dishes to more modern fare. There is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy.
Games and Activities
In addition to the mikoshi procession, kagura performances, and food stalls, the Yaegaki Inari Shrine Festival also features a variety of games and activities for children and adults alike. These include traditional Japanese games like ring toss and goldfish scooping, as well as more modern games like face painting and balloon animals.
Blessings and Deities
Yaegaki Inari Shrine is dedicated to three deities:
- Sarutahiko Okami: The deity of crossroads and travel
- Inari Okami: The deity of rice, sake, and fertility
- Ukanomitama Okami: The deity of food and agriculture
People visit the shrine to pray for good luck in business, safe travels, and bountiful harvests.
Origin and History
Yaegaki Inari Shrine was founded in 1700 by a man named Watanabe. Watanabe was a descendant of the priests of the Ise Grand Shrine, and he brought a portion of the shrine’s sacred fire to Koganei. He enshrined the fire in a small shrine on his property, and this shrine eventually became Yaegaki Inari Shrine.
The shrine was originally located in a different part of Koganei, but it was moved to its current location in 1999.
Tips and Notes for Visitors
- The shrine is open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Admission is free.
- The shrine is a popular spot for weddings and other ceremonies.
- There is a small parking lot available for visitors.
- The shrine is a short walk from Musashi-Koganei Station on the JR Chuo Line.
Parking Information
There is a small parking lot available for visitors to Yaegaki Inari Shrine. The parking lot is located behind the shrine, and it can accommodate about 20 cars.
The parking lot is free of charge, but it is often full during popular times, such as weekends and holidays.
If you are unable to find a parking space at the shrine, there are several other parking lots located nearby.
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. |
