Shitaya Shrine Festival

Shrine procession/festival notices are usually posted around shops near the shrine itself, so keep an eye out for them!

Roads near shrines have pretty straightforward names. Like Shitaya Jinja Road and Shitaya Jinja-mae (before Shitaya Jinja).

A small sign near the main entrance explaining the history of the shrine in Japanese and English, wrtitten by the education deparment of the ward.

People stopping by the chouzuya (purification pavilion) to do the cleansing ritual.

Mikoshi (palanquin) that is to be carried in the procession. On the left door is a sign posted informing visitors that there would be no procession this year. On the right is information on the shrine god (in Japanese).

As a person who does handicrafts, I found the craft work on the mikoshi impressive.

A rare bit of time the pavilion was empty of people.

Moment of peace in the busy shrine. The building inside is the main one.

Sneaked a picture of a ceremony just beginning in the main shrine building.

All kinds of charms being sold at the building on the right of the main building.

The torii to the small side shrine (on the left side of the main building).

The smaller shrine on the side of the main building with fox deities guarding.

Omikuji (luck and fortunes written on strips of paper and drawn at random) that proclaim bad luck are usually tied to trees or wires at the shrine, in hopes that the bad luck will ‘wait’ at the tree (pun on words in Japanese).

There is usually more than one stall with the same stuff, so don't worry about missing a specific one. Chances are you’ll see another you like soon.

The famed syrup ice cones! Unfortunately it was cold and rainy, so it's not a good time to eat ice?

Despite the rain, the children still come out to play! Festivals are not to be missed, that is for sure.

Masks of every kind, ranging from popular anime and characters to the more tradtional. Ultraman anyone?

Fishing game with paper scoops.

Shooting games – they seem to be international. I've seen them in festivals all around the world.

Managed to catch a little of the haunting music performed with traditional instruments as I was leaving.

Road leading into the shrine from main road. I recommend going to the shrine by Inari-cho Station, as its easier to get there. You can leave through Ueno later. Maps are placed conveniently near the the stations if you want to check your bearings.