Shinagawa Shrine, nestled in Tokyo’s Shinagawa Ward, is a revered Shinto shrine with a rich history. Established in the Edo period, it’s known for its striking red torii gate and scenic surroundings, offering a tranquil oasis amidst the urban landscape. This shrine is a cherished site for both its spiritual significance and its role in the local community’s cultural tapestry.
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Location:
Shinagawa Shrine is located in Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo. Tokugawa Ieyasu prayed at this shrine for his victory during the war.
Shinagawa Shrine is one of the 10 famous Shrines in Tokyo, Tokyo Jissha.
Besides, it is one of the Scenic Spots of Tokyo.
The shrine is only 120 meters from the Shim-Baba Station, which takes only 3 minutes on foot.
History:
Minamoto no Yoritomo founded Shinagawa Shrine at the end of the Heian period in 1187.
Ieyasu Tokugawa had prayed at this shrine in 1600 for his victory before he went to the Battle of Sekigahara.
Emperor Meiji selected 10 famous shrines in Tokyo in 1868 for the well-being of the new city of Tokyo and the nation’s prosperity. Shinagawa Shrine was one of these ten shrines.
The current shrine building was built in 1964.
Deity:
# Ame no Hirinome no Mikoto:
prayer fulfillment and voyage safety
# Uganome no Mikoto
God of Agriculture, Commerce, and Industrial Prosperity
# Susanoo-no-Mikoto:
god of wind and flood damage, evil, and illness.
Soryu Torii Gate:
The name of the First Torii Gate is Soryu Torii, located near the main road.
Stiff stairs started from the Torii Gate.
However, in front of the Soryu Torii Gate, a beautiful Statue of Daikokuten is standing with a smiling face.
Most of the pedestrians stop here for photos or vowing.
Fujizuka:
There is a Fujizuka on the left side of the stair. But the Fujizuka Torii Gate started from the middle of the main stairs of the shrine.
Fujizuka is a miniature of Mt Fuji.
People started to build the replica of Mt Fuji from the Edo to Showa Period for the devotees who could not go to Mt Fuji.
It is stiff.
It was built in 1869 with a height of 15 meters.
Besides, the shrine holds a festival about the Fujizuka in July.
Kaguraden:
Shinagawa Shrine has a stage building on the right side of the entrance.
Most of the good Shinto Shrines usually keep a stage that is used for dance and music during the festivals and events.
At the same time, Kaguraden is one of the Tokyo Metropolitan Intangible Folk Cultural Properties.
Besides, there is a small shrine near the Kaguraden called Soreisha.
Top Torii:
There are two more torii gates on the top; the second and third Torii Gate.
But these two torii gates are simple.
However, there are Edo-era stone lanterns near the tori gate. These stone lanterns signify the site’s historical importance.
Main Hall:
The main hall of the Shinagawa Shrine is beautiful. Many people line up to pray here every day.
Shinagawa Shrine is dedicated to Daitokuten even though there are other deities.
Daitokuten is one of the Seven Deities of good luck in the Tokai area. People visit it to wish them good luck.
Seitokuji Temple is just next to the Shinagawa Shrine. Therefore, people usually visit this Buddhist Temple during their Shinagawa Shrine visit.
Ana Inari Shrine:
Shinagawa Shrine has an Inari Shrine next to the main hall. The Inari Shrine has several small Torii gates.
It has two buildings.
The right one is called Shimosha, which means lower shrine, and the left is called Kamisha, which means upper shrine.
However, there are small shrines inside the Shimosha.
Festival:
Shinagawa Shukuba Matsuri is the shrine’s main festival. The shrine hosts the festival on the last weekend of September.
It is basically a celebration of the tradition and cultural heritage of the Shinagawa area.
The area was known as Tokaido Road. It links to eastern and western Japan during the Edo era through five routes.
During the festivals, participants usually wear beautiful Edo-style Kimonos with lovely hairstyles.
According to history, the festival was first celebrated in 1990 to convey tradition and cultural heritage.
The festival begins at 10:00 and until 18:00.
Opening hours:
9:00-17:00
Admission: Free
Best Time:
September(During the Shinagawa Shukuba Matsuri).
Access:
Nearest Station: Shim-Baba Station
Walk 3 min(120 m) from the station
Address:
3 Chome-7-15 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa City, Tokyo 140-0001
Official website:
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