Since the late 1980s, a monthly community activity named “Kompira-Picnic” has been held there on the first Sunday of every month (except August) although "picnic" is not a traditional Japanese activity. It would be very rare as an activity at a local Shinto-shrine. Moreover, it is an open event for everybody, to join it people need neither registration to the group nor reservation.
However there is only one requirement for the Kompira-Picnic which is "Bring your own food and drinks and share with others". Despite that, you are always welcome if you go there in the afternoon around lunch time. This picnic activity has been getting international people's attention and almost every time there are some foreign people as you can see in the photos. So People use both English and Japanese at the picnic.
At one time the picnic became quite popular and the shrine was full of people on every first Sunday, but unfortunately the number of participants has decreased in recent years. However, there are still some regulars (including foreigners and Japanese), and people enjoy talking and having a nice time with lots of good food and drinks. Of course tourists can also join this picnic. It's a fun activity!
In addition, two of the long time foreign regulars of the picnic activity became Shinto priests there. Both of them are Australian ladies. They got a training to be Shinto priest in the head shrine of Konpira Shrine in Shikoku Island, and became Shinto priests many years ago. Apparently TV crew will also come to the picnic activity to film the rare foreign Shinto priests on this Sunday!
Please feel free to join the picnic!
☆If you are interested in reading more about this picnic, please check here!
☆Also there is a facebook page providing information about this picnic! https://www.facebook.com/ActiveLineHachioji
☆The location of the Konpira Shrine is below!
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