Table of Contents
Location:
The Imado Shrine is a small shrine associated with love connections and the lucky Maneki-Neko beckoning cat figurine. Imado Jinja is a Shinto shrine in the Imado area of Northern Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo.
It is also called Imado Jinja; only 2 minutes walk from Matsuchima Shoden, 15 minutes from Sensoji Temple, and 10 minutes from Sumida and Mizomachi Park.
History:
Imado Shrine was a Hachiman Shrine named Hachiman Imado Shrine in the 11 century. But it became Imado Shrine later.
According to history, a great Japanese samurai, Minamoto no Yoshiie, visited the Imado area in 1063 and 1081 to celebrate his victories in the battles. He prayed and thanked the god of the war, Hachiman, because Hachiman is the god of the war in Japan.
However, Hachiman Imado Shrine was combined with another shrine. Therefore, the shrine’s name changed from Hachiman Imado Shrine to Imado Shrine.
In addition, instead of the Hachiman god Emperor Ojin, three deities were enshrined Izanagi, Izanami, and Fukurokuju.
Emperor Ojin is believed to be the divine spirit of the deity Hachiman.
But, according to Shinto mythology, three deities, Izanagi, Izanami, and Fukurokuju, are higher in rank.
The first two deities, Izanagi and Izanami, are the parent of all the Japanese islands. The third deity, Fukurokuju, is one of the Seven Lucky Gods to whom Shinto believers pray for happiness, wealth, and long life.
Purpose of visit:
The purposes of visiting can be different. Some go there to see, and some go to learn or blog. But most of the people go there for prayers.
The Imado Shrine is originally dedicated to the god of war, Hachiman. But this shrine is now associated with a god of a suitable spouse, Maneki Neko, and one of the Seven Lucky Gods, Fukurokuju, enshrines here.
The seven lucky gods of Shintoism originated from different backgrounds, including Taoism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Ebisu, Hotei, Benzaiten, Bishamonten, Daikokuten, Jurojin, and Fukurokuju.
In short, visiting the Imado Jinja is mainly for a suitable spouse, including good luck and business success.
People keep coming for prayers whole the day non-stop at the temple. Most of the people come from Sensoji Temple by hiring a Rickshaw. Those who visit most of them are young people.
Why did Imado Shrine become famous is for two reasons. Two reasons why it is so renowned are explained below:
1)A suitable Life Partner
2) Maneki Neko’s blessing
1)Suitable life partner:
Imado Jinja has a good reputation as a life partner. In a word, people believe that the shrine can help gain a good husband or wife.
The deities who enshrine here are famous for choosing good husband and wife. The two deities, Izanagi and Izanami, created the Japanese islands and are believed to be knowing who is the best for whom.
Therefore, when a person comes here for a life partner and dedicates a prayer by hanging an Ema, the two deities bless the person to gain the best life partner. Eventually, the person finds the best life partner.
2) Maneki Neko’s blessing:
Before going about the blessing of Maneki Neko, people must know what Maneki Neko is.
Have you ever seen a lovely cat figurine raising its paw in front of a shop or restaurant entrance? Or have you ever heard about Gotokuji Temple in Setagaya City?
‘Maneki Neko’ literally means Beckoning Cat, which symbolizes good luck. There are several good stories related to Maneki Neko.
But the two most famous stories about Maneki Neko are saving a feudal lord Ii Naokotaka at Gotokuji Temple during Edo Period and an older woman in the Imado area.
Besides, the Imado area is believed to be where the Maneki Neko originated in Japan. However, the most reliable source was many pottery makers who lived in the area during the Edo Period.
Wish Partner:
How to wish for a life partner?
People buy a wooden Ema, painted by two lovely Maneki Neko from the temples Ema Store, located on the left side of the main hall. And write their wishes on the blank site opposite the painted two Maneki Neko and hang them nearby Ema trees.
After that, they go back home and wait for the dreamed prince or princess life partner they wish.
Very few people go back home without buying Ema here. Instead, they usually buy, wish, hang wooden prayer plaques, and leave humbly bowing down to Imado Shrine.
Besides Ema for hanging here, Maneki Neko figurines and cat-themed souvenirs are available at the shrine’s Ema Store.
Three Popular Facts:
Three more historical facts need to be addressed to know why Imado Shrine is historically famous.
These three facts are about the great Samurai Okita, Imado Ware, and a famous story of an Older Woman Story.
1)Samurai Okita:
A great Edo Samurai, Soji Okita, took his last breath here. He was the strongest Samurai who never lost in the fighting. His sword brought victory in every battle.
However, he suffered from tuberculosis and prayed for recovery from his sickness. However, he could not recover and died at Imado Shrine. A stone monument is available at the shrine premises.
2)Imado Ware:
Imado ware, locally known as Imado Yaki, used to be made in the Imado area. Imado ware was a kind of earthenware for vessels and figures during the Edo period.
During the air raids in World War II left the Imado area, those who survived the Great Kanto Earthquake. However, one family made history staying in the Imado, which still makes earthware goods, such as Maneki Neko, dolls, fox figures, birds, etc.
Numerous such earthware-made figurines are seen in the Imado area. One such park is Sanyabori Park, located between Matsuchima Shoden and Imado Shrine
3)Woman Story:
The images of Maneki Neko are seen everywhere at Imado Jinja. The paw-raising lucky cat figurine is inscribed on ema, entrances bars, and shrine premises.
One of the histories related to Imado Shrine and Maneki Neko is very famous. According to the story, the woman struggled for food at the end of the Edo Period and did not know what to do.
But one night Maneki Neko appeared in her dream and advised the woman to make figurines of Maneki Neko. So after the dream, the old woman made cat figurines and started selling them. The ceramic cat figurines became quickly famous, and the old woman was saved from poverty.
Admission:
Free
Opening hours:
24 hours
Open every day
Access:
The best way to go there is hiring a Rickshaw from Asakusa Kaminarimon. Besides, the rickshaw puller only will not carry visitors to the destinations but also take excellent photos of you, which will keep your memories evergreen.
In addition, hiring a Rickshaw makes surroundings smooth access, including Matsuchiyama Shoden, Yoshiwara Shrine, and Asakusa Otori Shrine.
Nearest Station: Asakusa Station
1)Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
2)Toei Asakusa Line
3)Tobu Isesaki Line (Tobu Sky Tree Line)
15 minutes walk
Area: Asakusa
Phone: 0338722703
Reception hours: 9:00-17:00
Address:
1 Chome-5-22 Imado, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0024
Official website:
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