Enchanting shrine festival with a history of over 400 years
Basic Information
雉子神社 (Kijijinja Shrine) is a Shinto shrine located in Higashi Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo. It is classified as a village shrine in the modern shrine ranking system.
- Address: 1-2-33 Higashi Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-0022
- Phone Number: 03-3441-2331
- Access: 5-minute walk from Gotanda Station on the JR Yamanote Line and Asakusa Subway Line, or a 7-minute walk from Takanawadai Station on the Toei Asakusa Line
- Festival Days: First Saturday and Sunday in October
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Kijijinja Shrine Festival is a lively and colorful event that attracts many visitors each year. The main events and attractions of the festival include:
Mikoshi Procession
One of the highlights of the festival is the mikoshi procession. A mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets by a group of people. The Kijijinja Shrine mikoshi is a large and elaborate structure, and it is a sight to behold as it is carried through the streets. The procession is accompanied by music and dancing, and it is a festive and joyous occasion.
Kagura Performance
Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance and music performance that is often performed at Shinto shrines. During the Kijijinja Shrine Festival, a kagura performance is held on a stage in front of the shrine. The performance tells the story of the shrine’s deity, and it is a beautiful and moving sight.
Food Stalls
No Japanese festival is complete without food stalls, and the Kijijinja Shrine Festival is no exception. There are many food stalls set up around the shrine, selling a variety of delicious Japanese dishes. Visitors can enjoy everything from yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) to takoyaki (octopus balls) to kakigori (shaved ice). There are also many stalls selling souvenirs and crafts.
Bon Odori
Bon Odori is a traditional Japanese dance that is performed during the Obon festival, which is a time to remember and honor the dead. During the Kijijinja Shrine Festival, a Bon Odori is held on the evening of the second day of the festival. Visitors can join in the dance or simply watch and enjoy the music.
Blessings and Deities
雉子神社 (Kijijinja Shrine) is dedicated to three deities: Yamato Takeru no Mikoto, Ame no Tajikarao no Mikoto, and Ohoyamatsumi no Mikoto.
- known for his bravery and military prowess, and is revered as a god of war and victory.
- Ame no Tajikarao no Mikoto: A powerful deity who is said to have helped the sun goddess Amaterasu emerge from a cave, thus bringing light back to the world. He is revered as a god of strength and power.
- Ohoyamatsumi no Mikoto: A mountain god who is revered as the protector of forests and mountains. He is also associated with agriculture and fertility.
Visitors to Kijijinja Shrine can pray to these deities for blessings such as victory, strength, good health, and a bountiful harvest.
Origin and History
The origins of Kijijinja Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the 15th century. The shrine was originally known as Ebara Shrine, and it was dedicated to the god of agriculture. In the 17th century, the shrine was renamed Kijijinja Shrine by Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third Tokugawa shogun. Iemitsu was a keen falconer, and he is said to have been so impressed by the beauty of the area around the shrine that he ordered it to be renamed after the雉子 (kiji), or pheasant, which was a common sight in the area.
Kijijinja Shrine has a long and rich history, and it has been visited by many famous people over the years. In the 19th century, the shrine was visited by the emperor Meiji, who was so impressed by the shrine that he donated a large sum of money for its upkeep.
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to Kijijinja Shrine:
- Hours: The shrine is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day.
- Admission: Admission to the shrine is free.
- Dress code: There is no specific dress code for visiting the shrine, but it is considered respectful to dress modestly.
- Photography: Photography is permitted inside the shrine, but it is forbidden to take pictures of the honden (main shrine building).
- Parking: There is a small parking lot available for visitors to the shrine.
Parking Information
There is a small parking lot available for visitors to Kijijinja Shrine. The parking lot is located behind the shrine, and it can accommodate about 20 cars. The parking fee is 500 yen per day.
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. |
