荻窪八幡 Shrine: A fusion of history and vibrant festivities

Basic Information

Here’s an overview of the 2024 Ogiwara Hachiman Shrine Festival in Suginami Ward, Tokyo.

• Address: 4-19-2 Kami-Ogi, Suginami-ku, Tokyo 167-0043
• Phone Number: 03-3390-1325
• Access: 15-minute walk from JR Chuo Line, Sobu Line, Tokyo Metro Tozai Line, and Marunouchi Line “Ogikubo Station,” or take Kanto Bus No. 0 or 1 and get off at “Ogikubo Police Station.”
• Festival Days: Third Sunday of September (September 15th, 2024)

Main Events and Attractions of the Festival

The Ogiwara Hachiman Shrine Festival is a vibrant and lively event that attracts many visitors each year. Here are some of the main events and attractions of the festival:

Mikoshi Procession

The highlight of the festival is the mikoshi procession, where a portable shrine is carried through the streets of the neighborhood. The mikoshi is decorated with colorful tapestries and carried by teams of people. The procession is accompanied by music and dancing, and it’s a great opportunity to experience the lively atmosphere of the festival.

Shishimai Dance

Another popular attraction is the shishimai dance, a traditional lion dance performed by two people inside a lion costume. The shishimai dance is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. The dancers perform to the beat of drums and flutes, and their energetic movements are sure to impress.

Yatai Food Stalls

No Japanese festival is complete without yatai, or food stalls. At the Ogiwara Hachiman Shrine Festival, you’ll find a wide variety of yatai selling everything from traditional Japanese dishes like takoyaki and yakisoba to more modern fare like crepes and popcorn. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as the famous Ogiwara dango.

Kagura Performance

Kagura is a traditional Japanese performing art that combines music, dance, and storytelling. At the Ogiwara Hachiman Shrine Festival, you can see kagura performances that tell the stories of the gods and goddesses of the Shinto religion. The performances are visually stunning and a great way to learn more about Japanese culture.

Blessings and Deities

The Ogiwara Hachiman Shrine is dedicated to the god Hachiman, the god of war and archery. Hachiman is one of the most important gods in the Shinto religion, and he is revered for his strength, courage, and wisdom. He is also believed to be the protector of Japan and the Japanese people.

In addition to Hachiman, the Ogiwara Hachiman Shrine also enshrines several other deities, including:

• Amaterasu Omikami: The sun goddess and the most important deity in the Shinto religion.
• Susanoo-no-Mikoto: The god of storms and the sea.
• Inari Okami: The god of rice and agriculture.
• Benzaiten: The goddess of wealth and good fortune.

Origin and History

The Ogiwara Hachiman Shrine was founded in the year 889 AD by Minamoto no Tsunemoto, a samurai warrior who was granted the land by Emperor Uda. The shrine was originally a small shrine, but it was expanded and renovated several times over the centuries. The current shrine buildings date back to the Edo period (1603-1868).

The Ogiwara Hachiman Shrine has a long and rich history. It has been visited by many famous people over the years, including the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu and the emperor Meiji. The shrine has also been the site of many important events, including the signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa in 1854.

Tips and Notes for Visitors

Here are some tips and notes for visitors to the Ogiwara Hachiman Shrine:

• The shrine is open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Admission is free.
• There is a large parking lot available for visitors.
• The shrine is a popular tourist destination, so it can be crowded during peak times.
• If you are visiting the shrine during a festival, be sure to check the schedule of events in advance.

Parking Information

There is a large parking lot available for visitors to the Ogiwara Hachiman Shrine. The parking lot is located next to the shrine, and it can accommodate up to 100 cars. The parking fee is 500 yen per day.

Popular Stalls and Food Carts in Recent Years