Enchanting Shrine Festival in Meguro
Basic Information
Tokamori Inari Shrine is located in Chuo-cho, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, and is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Ukanomitama-no-Mikoto, the god of rice and agriculture.
- Address: 2-17-15 Chuo-cho, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-0001
- Phone Number: 03-3710-7426
- Access: 7-minute walk from Yutenji Station on the Tokyu Toyoko Line, or a 7-minute walk from Gakugei-daigaku Station
- Festival Days: September 14th (Sat), September 15th (Sun), 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Tokamori Inari Shrine Festival is an annual event that takes place on September 14th and 15th. The festival features a variety of events and attractions, including:
Mikoshi Procession
A highlight of the festival is the mikoshi procession, where a portable shrine is carried through the streets of the neighborhood. The mikoshi is believed to be inhabited by the deity of the shrine, and carrying it is considered a great honor.
Kagura Performance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese performing art that combines music, dance, and storytelling. During the festival, kagura performances are held at the shrine, offering visitors a chance to experience this unique art form.
Food Stalls
No Japanese festival is complete without food stalls! At the Tokamori Inari Shrine Festival, visitors can enjoy a variety of delicious Japanese dishes, from traditional favorites like yakitori and takoyaki to more modern offerings like crepes and popcorn.
Games and Activities
The 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.
Fireworks Display
The festival concludes with a spectacular fireworks display on the evening of September 15th. The fireworks are launched from a nearby park, and they can be seen from all over the neighborhood.
Blessings and Deities
Tokamori Inari Shrine is dedicated to Ukanomitama-no-Mikoto, the deity of rice and agriculture. Ukanomitama-no-Mikoto is said to bring blessings of good harvests, bountiful crops, and prosperity to businesses and households.
- Deity: Ukanomitama-no-Mikoto
- Blessings: Good harvests, bountiful crops, prosperity
Origin and History
The origins of Tokamori Inari Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded during the Edo period (1603-1868). The shrine was originally located in a different part of Meguro, but it was moved to its current location in 1884.
- Founded: Edo period (1603-1868)
- Moved to current location: 1884
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to the Tokamori Inari Shrine Festival:
- The festival is held on September 14th and 15th each year.
- The festival features a variety of events and attractions, including a mikoshi procession, kagura performance, food stalls, games, and activities.
- The festival concludes with a spectacular fireworks display on the evening of September 15th.
- The shrine is located a 7-minute walk from Yutenji Station on the Tokyu Toyoko Line, or a 7-minute walk from Gakugei-daigaku Station.
Parking Information
There is no parking lot at Tokamori Inari Shrine. However, there are several coin-operated parking lots in the surrounding area.
- No parking lot at the shrine
- Coin-operated parking lots 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. |
