The 10th of every month is “Tookashi” Day
I went to Nishinomiya Shrine for Toka Mairi, the monthly visit on the 10th!
Last time, Leader @ Nishi2 went, so this time Shacho @ Nishi2 went.
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Arriving at Nishinomiya Shrine
I arrived at 9:15. It was a cloudy morning for Toka Mairi.
Looking in front of the main shrine, I thought, “There are so few people!”
The Tookashi sweets were lined up like this.
At the entrance, I received a voucher for Tookashi from a shrine maiden!
These vouchers are only given to the first 180 people.
But wait, inside it was practically packed!
There were only a few empty spots here and there near the middle of each seating area.
By around 9:30, they had finished handing out the Tookashi vouchers.
I asked around a bit, and was told that if you arrive around 8:30, you should be fine. You’ll still have to line up, of course. Though if everyone who reads this rushes over, you might have to line up even earlier.
The ceremony is held at 10:00.
While waiting, more and more worshippers kept arriving.
Quite a few people came just to pray without attending the ceremony.
The ceremony began, and the atmosphere turned solemn.
When you think of Ebessan, you think of sea bream.
There was also a talk by the chief priest. Apparently, June 10 is Time Day. It seems to have been established in Taisho 6, with the aim of encouraging people to keep time and improve their lives in a more rational way, like in Europe and America.
Receiving Tookashi and Eating Mitarashi Dango
At the end, you receive the Tookashi. Everyone who had been inside comes rushing out at once, so a long line forms. This is the front of the line.
After receiving sacred sake and rice from the shrine, you get your Tookashi.
Next, with the tea ticket handed out at the beginning, you can receive mitarashi dango and tea. There was quite a line here too.
Just seeing this view from the line calms the mind.
At Okame Chaya, you can buy the day’s Tookashi, but it was already sold out. They only have 30 available.
When Mii @ Nishi2 went on April 10, it was raining, so she was able to buy it without any trouble.
While I was eating mitarashi dango, also called Manzoku Dango,
a puppet performance by Ebisuza began! It’s one of Nishinomiya’s traditional performing arts.
I had a photo taken with them. I’m touching Ebessan’s hand. The woman is Takechi-san, and the man is Matsuda-san.
They always support Nishi2!
June’s Tookashi is Takayamado’s “Medetai Mikasa”
The Tookashi changes every month.
June’s Tookashi is Takayamado’s “Medetai Mikasa.”
There are three of them inside!
They’re plump and chewy.
If you really want some, you can buy them at Takayamado stores today. They’re open until 7:30 p.m.
*Screenshot from the Takayamado official website (2019/6/10)
The best-before date was 6/22.
You Can Buy All Types of “Tookashi” on 6/14
Good news for anyone thinking, “I want to eat Tookashi!” but can’t go on the 10th.
The Okoshiya Festival will be held on Friday, June 14.
And the “Tookashi Festival,” where Tookashi from 11 shops will all be gathered in one place, will also be held just inside Akamon Gate on the right!!
*Screenshot from the Nishinomiya Wagashi Brand Promotion Project Executive Committee
Finally
The next Tookashi on July 10 will be “Ebisu Mochi / Fukudama.”
If you have time, please come for Toka Mairi.
For a detailed article about Tookashi, see below.
