Gleaming lights, vibrant festival
Basic Information
An overview of the festival will be provided here.
- Address: 3-14-1 Ikebukuro-honcho, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 170-0011
- Phone Number: 03-3971-8280
- Access: 7-minute walk from Shimo-Itabashi Station on the Tobu Tojo Line or 10-minute walk from Kita-Ikebukuro Station
- Festival Days: Saturday, September 14th and Sunday, September 15th, 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Ikebukuro Hikawa Shrine Festival is a lively and colorful event that attracts many visitors each year. Here are some of the main events and attractions of the festival:
Mikoshi Procession
One of the highlights of the festival is the mikoshi procession, where portable shrines are carried through the streets by groups of people. The mikoshi are elaborately decorated with colorful tapestries and ornaments, and they are accompanied by music and dancing.
Yatai (Food Stalls)
No Japanese festival is complete without yatai, or food stalls. At the Ikebukuro Hikawa Shrine Festival, you can find a wide variety of food and drinks to enjoy, from traditional Japanese dishes like yakitori and takoyaki to more modern fare like crepes and popcorn.
Games and Activities
There are also plenty of games and activities for people of all ages to enjoy at the festival. These include traditional Japanese games like ring toss and goldfish scooping, as well as more modern games like face painting and balloon art.
Live Performances
Throughout the festival, there are also a number of live performances, including traditional Japanese music and dance, as well as more modern performances like pop music and comedy shows.
Fireworks Display
The festival culminates in a spectacular fireworks display on the final night. The fireworks are launched from a nearby park, and they light up the night sky with their vibrant colors and patterns.
Shrine is dedicated to the following deities:
-
>
- Uke Mochi no Kami: Goddess of food and agriculture
- Konohana Sakuya-hime-no-Mikoto: Goddess of flowers and beauty
ato Takeru no Mikoto: Legendary prince and warrior
These deities are believed to bestow various blessings upon worshippers, including good luck, prosperity, and protection from evil.
Origin and History
The origins of the Ikebukuro Hikawa Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded sometime in the 16th century. The shrine was originally located in a different part of Ikebukuro, but it was moved to its current location in 1940.
The shrine has a long and rich history, and it has been visited by many famous people over the years, including the emperor and empress of Japan.
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to the Ikebukuro Hikawa Shrine:
- The shrine is open every day from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Admission is free.
- There is a small parking lot available for visitors.
- The shrine is a popular spot for weddings and other ceremonies.
- There are a number of restaurants and shops in the area surrounding the shrine.
Parking Information
There is a small parking lot available for visitors to the Ikebukuro Hikawa 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 a number of public 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. |
