Autumn colors dance at Akiba Shrine
Basic Information
Akiba Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Kita-Aoyama, Minato, Tokyo, Japan.
- Address: 3-5-26 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Phone Number: Not available
- Access: 1-minute walk from Exit A3 of Omotesando Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line and Chiyoda Line
- Festival Days: October 20, 2024
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
The Akiba Shrine Festival is held annually on October 20th. The festival features a variety of 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 Akiba Shrine mikoshi is carried from the shrine to the nearby Akasaka Hikawa Shrine and back. The procession is accompanied by music and dancing.
Shishimai Dance
The shishimai dance is a traditional Japanese lion dance. The dance is performed by two people, one wearing a lion head and the other wearing a lion body. The shishimai dance is said to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.
Taiko Drumming
Taiko drumming is a traditional Japanese form of drumming. The drums are played by a group of people, and the music is often very loud and energetic. The taiko drumming at the Akiba Shrine Festival is sure to get your blood pumping.
Food Stalls
There are a variety of food stalls at the Akiba Shrine Festival, selling everything from traditional Japanese dishes to international cuisine. There are also a number of stalls selling souvenirs and crafts.
Blessings and Deities
Akiba Shrine is dedicated to three deities: Inari Okami, Akiba Okami, and Ontake Okami.
- Inari Okami is the deity of rice and fertility.
- Akiba Okami is the deity of fire prevention.
- Ontake Okami is the deity of mountains.
The shrine is said to bring good luck in business, ward off fire and other disasters, and protect people from illness.
Origin and History
Akiba Shrine was founded in 1827 as a branch shrine of the nearby Zenkoji Temple. In 1868, the shrine was separated from Zenkoji Temple and became an independent shrine.
- Founded in 1827
- Originally a branch shrine of Zenkoji Temple
- Became an independent shrine in 1868
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to Akiba Shrine:
- The shrine is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Admission is free.
- The shrine is a popular tourist destination, so it can be crowded at times.
- There is a small parking lot available for visitors.
- The shrine is located a short walk from Omotesando Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza and Chiyoda Lines.
Parking Information
There is a small parking lot available for visitors to Akiba Shrine. The parking lot is located behind the shrine.
- Location: Behind Akiba Shrine
- Number of spaces: 10
- Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Fee: 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. |
