Kameido Shrine, located in Tokyo’s Koto Ward, is a picturesque and historic Shinto shrine. Renowned for its beautiful wisteria flowers and serene pond with arched bridges, the shrine is a popular spot for both locals and visitors. It holds a special place in the hearts of many for its peaceful atmosphere and its significance in Japanese literature and history.
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Location:
Kameido Shrine is one of the ten most famous shrines in Tokyo. Its full name is Kameido Tenjin Shrine. This beautiful shrine is located in Shitamachi in Koto Ward.
The shrine never disappoints its visitors. It is always pleasant with green trees and flowers.
Besides, the pond is always packed with beautiful Koi, turtles, swans, and other lovely birds.
Why famous:
According to the historical background of the Kameido Shrine, it was built in 1661. Historically, it is a significant shrine in Tokyo.
During the Meiji Period, the emperor selected 10 famous shrines in Tokyo (Edo) for their strategic location, forming strong barrier protection for central Tokyo. Kameido Tenjin Shrine is one of these 10 shrines.
Besides, the shrine is dedicated to Michizane Sugawara, who is believed to be a god of luck and study. Michizane Sugawara was a 9th-century famous poet, scholar, and politician.
He was also a high-rank officer. However, for some reason, he was punished and exiled to the southern island of Kyushu, and he passed away there.
But, after his death, many natural disasters took place in the capital city of Kyoto. As a result, the people of Japan believed that Michizane Sugawara had taken revenge and hunted his enemies as a form of a powerful spirit.
Later, he was identified as a god of luck and study.
For this reason, Japanese students come to Kameido Shrine and write on ema (wish boards), wish for their entrance exams success, and get accepted to the school they choose.
Three bridges:
The shrine has three small colorful bridges which represent human life. Therefore, the names are related to human life, which is inevitably meaningful.
After crossing the main torii gate, the first bridge is called OTOKOBASHI, which means ‘men’s bridge,’ representing a person’s past.
The second bridge is called HIRABASHI, representing present.
Finally, the third bridge is ONNABASHI, which means ‘women’s bridge,’ representing the future.
Festivals:
Kameido Shrine is also called ‘Flower Shrine’ because of its several flower festivals.
However, generally Japanese New Year Celebration or Hatsumode is the biggest festival in Japan. As a result, all small and big shrines and temples become overcrowded. So, considering the fact, Hatsumode is the biggest festival at Kameido Shrine.
Besides, there are two big festivals at the shrine, Wisteria and Plug Festival.
Wisteria Festival and Plug Festival, which are held on the premises of the Kameido Shrine, is well-known in the area. These two festivals go even a week-long. As a result, thousands of people come from different parts of Tokyo and enjoy the festivals.
The above scene explains about the popularity of the temple. It popular to all types of people, including students and guardians.
Hatsumode:
Hatsumode is the first visit to a shrine in the year. People can visit shrines any time of the year. However, visiting a shrine during the New Year is the best.
Everyone wants to be happy, healthy but gods are the sources of blessings. So people want to go to the shrine during the first day of the year to pray and satisfy their gods.
In addition, all the offices, schools, colleges, and universities remain close during Hatsumode, and people want to visit during their holiday and finish their prayers.
During the Hatsumode, many shops and stalls are set up inside the shrine’s premises. The Festival starts on December 31 to until January 3.
People line up from the main road to the Main Hall of Kameido Tenjin Shrine. Those who finish their prayers roam the stalls and eat, drink and enjoy the Festival.
Wisteria Festival:
Wisteria flowers start blooming from the last week of April and early May every year in the shrine’s precinct, and the area is lit up during the wisteria season after sunset until 20:00.
During this time, Wisteria Festival takes place here. The festival is also called Fuji Matsuri.
Many cafes, shops, toy shops, and different kinds of festival-related stalls are set up in the shrine premises. As a result, the shrine gets crowded with happy visitors.
Plum Festival:
Plum Festival is one of the significant festivals here. Plum flowers start blooming from mid-February until first March. Plum Festival is held during this time.
I mentioned earlier that the shrine was dedicated to Michizane. The plum tree was Michizane Sugawara’s favorite tree.
On the other hand, during the shrine’s foundation, a statue of Michizane Sugawara was made from plum wood and installed in his honor.
So Plum Festival here is the shrine’s main deity favorite and satisfaction-related festival.
Chrysanthemum Festival:
One more famous festival at Kameido Shrine, called Chrysanthemum Festival, held 4th Sunday of October to late November.
Generally, the shrine arranges for an exhibition called the Chrysanthemum Exhibition held in November. During the period, Children’s Celebration Day(Shichi-Go-San) takes place all over Japan.
Therefore, many people come here and wish good luck to their loving children. The lovely flowers and beautiful children with traditional Japanese Kimonos shrine premises become a happy destination.
Kameido Shrine is not a destination for Japanese people but also foreigners. Therefore, it is worth visiting to experience Japanese culture.
Access:
Nearest Station: Kinshicho Station/Kameido station
10 minutes walk from both stations
Address:
Kameido Shrine, 3 Chome-6-1 Kameido, Koto City, Tokyo 136-0071
Official website:
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