Enryuji Temple was founded by Asano Nagaakira, the first lord of the Hiroshima Domain, and has a history of Approx. 400 years. Locals affectionately know it as “Toukasan,” the on-yomi reading of Inari Daimyojin, the temple’s guardian deity.
The Toukasan Grand Festival is held every year for three days from the first Friday to Sunday in June, with many events including the public unveiling of the sacred object, a goma fire memorial service, and dedicatory taiko drumming. During the festival, the Yukata de Kin-sai festival is also held in the surrounding area. Food stalls line Chuo-dori, which becomes a pedestrian-only street, and many people enjoy walking around town in their first yukata of the year, which is why the festival is known as the “festival for first wearing yukata.”
Along with Ebisu-ko at Ebisu Shrine and the Sumiyoshi Festival at Sumiyoshi Shrine, it is counted as one of Hiroshima’s three major festivals. Every year, Approx. 80,000 people visit over the three days of the festival, while the Chuo-dori area draws Approx. 450,000 people. Be sure to pick up the festival-only yakuyoke uchiwa fan, a popular good-luck charm said to ward off misfortune and help you get through the summer heat.
Highlights
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A festival for Inari Daimyojin, the guardian deity of Enryuji Temple, which has a history of Approx. 400 years.
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Counted as one of Hiroshima’s three major festivals.
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Held in early June and known as the festival for first wearing yukata.
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Draws Approx. 450,000 people every year.
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The festival-only yakuyoke uchiwa fan is popular as a good-luck charm.
