Enchanting shrine festival with mystical lights
Basic Information
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- Address: 4707 Sohara-cho, Machida-shi, Tokyo
- Phone Number: N/A
- Access: 5-minute walk from Daichizawa Youth Center bus stop via Kanachu Bus from Sohara Station on the Yokohama Line
- Festival Days: Around the autumnal equinox
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Wakamiya Hachimangu Shrine Festival is an annual event that takes place around the autumnal equinox. The festival features a variety of traditional events and attractions, including:
Mikoshi Procession
The mikoshi procession is the main event of the festival. A mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets by a group of people. The mikoshi is believed to be the temporary dwelling place of a deity, and the procession is a way of transporting the deity to different parts of the community so that it can bless the people.
Lion Dance
The lion dance is a traditional Japanese dance that is often performed at festivals. The dance is performed by two people, one of whom wears a lion costume and the other of whom beats a drum. The lion dance is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.
Other Attractions
- Food stalls
- Game booths
- Live music
- Traditional crafts demonstrations
Blessings and Deities
Wakamiya Hachimangu Shrine is dedicated to the deities Ojin Tenno and Takeuchi no Sukune. Ojin Tenno is the legendary 15th emperor of Japan, and Takeuchi no Sukune is a legendary statesman and military commander. The shrine is said to bring good luck and prosperity to its worshippers.
Origin and History
The exact date of Wakamiya Hachimangu Shrine’s founding is unknown, but it is believed to have been established in the early 17th century. The shrine was originally located in a different part of Machida, but it was moved to its current location in 1688.
Tips and Notes for Visitors
- The shrine is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Admission is free.
- The festival is held annually around the autumnal equinox.
- The shrine is a popular spot for weddings and other ceremonies.
- There is a small parking lot available for visitors.
Parking Information
There is a small parking lot available for visitors to Wakamiya Hachimangu Shrine. The parking lot is located next to the shrine’s main entrance. There is no charge for parking.
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. |
