Let’s Enjoy Festivals!
Shinagawa City holds various festivals in each community throughout the year. In this issue, we will introduce festivals conducted by temples and shrines. Many of these festivals have a long history, providing opportunities for one to become more familiar with the traditional culture of Japan. Because the weather is very moderate and inviting at this time of year, why not step out and go to a festival?
● Sentai Kojin Sai Festival 
Dates: November 27 (Thu.) and 28 (Fri.)
Location: Kaiun-ji Temple (3-5-21 Minami-Shinagawa)
Nearest station: Aomono-Yokocho Station on the Keikyu Main Line
This festival has been celebrated since the Edo period in honor of Sentai Kojin, the kitchen god. It is held every year on the 27th and 28th of March and November. Because there are many shops along the street from Aomono-Yokocho Station to the temple grounds, the streets are bustling with people. Okoshi (crackers) in the shape of okama (traditional Japanese iron pot used to cook rice) is a well-known product.
Note: Okoshi
This confection is made of grains, such as rice, candied with starch syrup and sugar. Kaminari-okoshi is a famous product of Asakusa.
● Niiname Sai Festival/Daidai Kagura Dedication
Dates: November 23 (national holiday)
 Location: Shinagawa-jinja Shrine (3-7-15 Kita-Shinagawa)
Nearest station: Shimbamba Station (North Exit) on the Keikyu Main Line
During the Niiname Sai Festival at Shinagawa-jinja Shrine, a dedication called Daidai Kagura is performed before the gods. This traditional ritual involves the wearing of omote (mask) that has been passed down through the generations from the Edo period while performing to music played by gakushi (musicians). The long history of Daidai Kagura is said to be from the 1570s.
Note: Niiname Sai Festival
This festival offers prayers of thanksgiving to the gods for the autumn harvest and is held in shrines across the country every year on November 23.
Note: Kagura
Kagura is the name of a dance performed to ohayashi (music) as an offering to the gods. It is performed at shrine festivals.
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 Traditional Japanese Events Held at Temples and Shrines
Shichi-Go-San (Seven-Five-Three) Celebration
Shichi-Go-San is a traditional Japanese event in which families celebrate the growth of their children when their children are 7, 5, and 3 years of age. Families visit the local temple or shrine on November 15, offering prayers of thanks for their children having grown so far as well as for their continued healthy growth. |
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