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Location:
Asakusa Otori Shrine is a famous Shinto shrine located in the northern part of Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo. The shrine is wonderfully beautiful, with red color paintings.
It is also called Otori Jinja Asakusa, which is only a 6-minute walk from Tokyo Iriya Station on the Metro Hibiya Line. It is a small shrine famous for the Tori-no-Ichi festival held in November.
However, Otori Shrine is close to Imado Shrine, Matsuchima Shoden, and Yoshiwara Shrine.
Deity:
Asakusa Otori Shrine is dedicated to Yamato Takeru (Yamato Takeru no Mikoto), originally Prince Ousu Ousu no Mikoto), a Japanese semi-legendary prince of the Yamato dynasty, son of Emperor Keiko. He is traditionally counted as the 12th Emperor of Japan.
According to history, he killed his elder brother, and his father, Emperor Keiko, was afraid of his brutality and kept him far from his palace.
However, Yamato Takeru was very brave, and he defeated his enemies. One of the enemies among the defeated praised him and gave him the title Yamato Takeru, meaning The Brave of Yamato.
According to the traditional record, Yamato Takeru died in the 43rd year of his father, Emperor Keiko’s reign. After death, his soul turned into a big white bird and flew away.
However, people visit Otori Jinja Asakusa for household peace because the shrines where Yamato Takeru’s soul enshrines are called Otori Shrine. Otori means Bird, and Otori Shrine literally means Bird Shrine, which symbolizes Household Peace.
What to see?
Asakusa Otori Shrine is hidden from international tourists because the area is not famous as around Sensoji Temple. The shrine is beautiful and worth visiting.
There are several beautiful features here, such as Main Gate, a unique line from Main Gate to Main Hall and Main Hall, and its surroundings.
Main Gate:
The shrine has two entrances. But the main entrance is unique, which is usually rare in Tokyo.
Most of the main entrances of the Shinto Shrines in Tokyo are very simple and with standard features. However, the Otori Jinja Asakusa is unique, making the shrine different from other shrines.
The gate is decorated with colorful Shinto religious decorations, lights, a small Shinto Shrine sign, and Shimenawa (enclosing rope made from rice straw or hemp rope used for ritual purification in the Shinto religion).
Besides, there is a big-colorful Kumade on the right side of the main entrance, which is difficult to explain in simple words. In a word, it is excellent.
From Main Gate- Hall:
Main Gate to Main Hall has a long unique line with colorful sacred-looking torii gates. It is so straight that people can see who lines up from the main road.
After crossing all the torii gates, visitors arrive at the omikuji space. The space is neat and clean, decorated with beautiful omikuji.
People buy omikuji from here. This Omikuji counter connects two entrances of the Asakusa Otori Shrine. No matter which entrance visitors use, they arrive here before arriving at the Main Hall for worship.
It is worth mentioning that the omikuji rooftop is decorated with beautiful bird figurines, which can be seen from the outside of the shrine.
Main Hall:
The Main Hall of Otori Jinja Asakusa scene shows how decorated it looks. It is small but looks orderly. Visitors follow the line and pray and depart.
The human facial figurine, which is in a Kudame Rake, is seen in the Main Hall. Visitors stand up in front of it and pray.
Festival:
Tori no Ichi and Hatsumode are the most famous festivals at Asakusa Otori Shrine. It hosts a lively Tori no Ichi festival in November with several stalls for decorated Kumade rakes.
‘Kumade Rake’ means ‘Bear Claw.’ Kumade Rake is believed to be bringing good fortune in the following year.
The Asakusa Tori no Ichi is held on Rooster Day in November. Rooster days usually happen twice in November.
In the Chinese calendar, hours, days, and years are represented by repeating 12 animals, such as the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, Rooster, dog, and boar.
Besides, the Asakusa Otori Shrine holds Oharai purification in June, Lion Dances in July, and a portable shrine parade every twelfth year during the Year of the Rooster.
Otori Shrine makes some beautiful woodwork, carved into a panel, especially the dragon carvings are extraordinary three-dimensional creations that erupt from their carved pillars.
Access:
Nearest Station:
Iriya Station (Hibiya Line-H19)
6 minutes walk from the station
Sensoji Temple to Otori Shrine is only 10 minutes walk. Most people visit the temple hiring a Rickshaw from Kaminarmon.
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