Enchanting Shrine Festival in Tokyo’s Literary District
Basic Information
Tomioka Hachiman Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the Bunkyo district of Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the god of war, Hachiman, and is one of the most important shrines in the city.
- Address: 2-11-15 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033
- Phone Number: 03-3811-1603
- Access: A 10-minute walk from JR Ochanomizu Station
- Festival Days: September 18th (Wednesday), 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Tomioka Hachiman Shrine Reitaisai Festival is a lively and colorful event that attracts many visitors each year. The festival features a variety of traditional Japanese performing arts, as well as food stalls and games.
Mikoshi Procession
One of the main highlights of the festival is the mikoshi procession. A mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets by a team of people. The mikoshi of Tomioka Hachiman Shrine is particularly large and impressive, and it is carried by a team of over 100 people.
Lion Dance
Another popular attraction at the festival is the lion dance. The lion dance is a traditional Japanese dance that is performed by two people inside a lion costume. The lion dance is said to bring good luck and fortune, and it is always a crowd-pleaser.
Kagura
Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance that is performed by shrine maidens. The kagura at Tomioka Hachiman Shrine is particularly beautiful, and it is a great opportunity to see this ancient art form.
Food Stalls and Games
In addition to the traditional performing arts, the festival also features a variety of food stalls and games. Visitors can enjoy a variety of delicious Japanese food, as well as try their luck at traditional Japanese games.
Blessings and Deities
Tomioka Hachiman Shrine is dedicated to the god of war, Hachiman, who is also known as the god of agriculture, commerce, and industry. Hachiman is one of the most important gods in the Shinto pantheon, and he is revered by people all over Japan.
- Hachiman: God of war, agriculture, commerce, and industry
- Inari: God of rice and fertility
- Susanoo-no-Mikoto: God of storms and the sea
- Amaterasu Omikami: Goddess of the sun
- Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto: God of the moon
Origin and History
The origins of Tomioka Hachiman Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the 12th century. The shrine was originally located in the village of Tomioka, but it was moved to its current location in the 16th century. The shrine was destroyed by fire in the 19th century, but it was rebuilt in 1868.
- Founded: 12th century
- Moved to current location: 16th century
- Destroyed by fire: 19th century
- Rebuilt: 1868
Tips and Notes for Visitors
When visiting Tomioka Hachiman Shrine, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- The shrine is open from 9am to 5pm every day.
- Admission is free.
- Photography is allowed inside the shrine, but please be respectful of other visitors.
- There is a small parking lot available for visitors.
- The shrine is a popular tourist destination, so it is best to visit during the off-season (November-February) to avoid crowds.
Parking Information
There is a small parking lot available for visitors to Tomioka Hachiman Shrine. The parking lot is located on the east side of the shrine, and it can accommodate about 20 cars.
- Location: East side of the shrine
- Capacity: 20 cars
- Fee: Free
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. |
