Glowing lanterns illuminate the night
Basic Information
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- Address: 1-1-2 Tokiwa, Koto-ku, Tokyo
- Phone Number: –
- Access: 6-minute walk from Exit A1 of Morishita Station on the Toei Oedo Line and Toei Shinjuku Line
- Festival Days: May (Exact date to be announced)
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Masaki Inari 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
The mikoshi procession is the highlight of the festival. A mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets by a team of people. The mikoshi is believed to be the temporary dwelling place of a deity, and carrying it is seen as a way to bring good luck and prosperity to the community.
Lion Dance
The lion dance is a traditional Japanese dance that is often performed at festivals. The dance is performed by two people, one wearing a lion head and the other wearing a lion body. The lion is believed to be a symbol of strength and courage, and the dance is said to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.
Kagura
Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance that is performed to Shinto music. The dance is often performed by young women, and it is said to bring good luck and prosperity to the community.
Food Stalls
There are many food stalls at the festival, selling a variety of traditional Japanese foods. Some of the most popular foods include takoyaki (octopus balls), yakisoba (fried noodles), and taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes filled with sweet bean paste).
Games and Activities
There are also a number of games and activities for children at the festival. These include things like ring toss, beanbag toss, and goldfish scooping.
Blessings and Deities
The Masaki Inari Shrine is dedicated to the deity Ukanomitama no Mikoto, the god of rice and agriculture. The shrine is also believed to bring good luck in business and prosperity to the local community.
- Ukanomitama no Mikoto: God of rice and agriculture
- Business Prosperity: The shrine is believed to bring good luck in business.
- Prosperity: The shrine is believed to bring prosperity to the local community.
Origin and History
The exact origins of the Masaki Inari Shrine are unknown, but it is believed to have been founded in the early Edo period (1603-1868). The shrine was originally located in a different part of Koto-ku, but it was moved to its current location in 1961.
- Founded: Early Edo period (1603-1868)
- Original Location: Different part of Koto-ku
- Moved to Current Location: 1961
Tips and Notes for Visitors
If you are planning to visit the Masaki Inari Shrine during the festival, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- The shrine is located in a residential area. Please be respectful of the neighbors and keep noise to a minimum.
- There is no parking lot at the shrine. Please use public transportation or park in a nearby coin-operated parking lot.
- The shrine is open year-round, but it is best to visit during the festival in May.
Parking Information
There is no parking lot at the Masaki Inari Shrine. Visitors are advised to use public transportation or park in a nearby coin-operated parking lot.
- No on-site parking lot
- Use public transportation or nearby coin-operated parking lots
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. |