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Where is Yoshiwara?
Yoshiwara Shrine, located in Senzoku, Asakusa, Taito Ward, Tokyo, is a Shinto shrine. The surroundings of Yoshiwara were the most extensive legal red-light district in Japan.
The women who used to work in this red-light district believed that the shrine’s deities answered various wishes of women. Therefore, many women visit the shrine to fulfill their wishes nowadays.
However, the name of Yoshiwara Shrine is related to Yoshiwara Yukaku or the red-light district in Edo Period, and the present name is Tokyo.
The Tokugawa Shogunate established three licensed red-light districts in Japan during the early 17 century. The Yoshiwara was in 1617, Shinamachi in Osaka, and Shimabara in Kyoto in 1640.
A Brief History:
During the Meiji Period, the red-light districts, including Yoshiwara Shrine, were guarded by five Inari Shrines.
According to historical records, the four shrines, Kaiun Inari Shrine, Enomoto Inari Shrine, Akashi Inari Shrine, and Kurosuke Inari Shrine, were at the four corners. But the fifth shrine Yoshitoku Inari Shrine was in front of Yoshiwara’s Omon Gate, the only red-light district entrance.
During the Meiji Period in 1872, these five shrines became one and named Yoshiwara Shrine.
But, the Yoshiwara Shrine was destroyed in the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923, but it was rebuilt in 1934.
On the other hand, a neighborhood shrine, Yoshiwara Benzaiten Shrine, joined together. But during worldwar2, the shrine was destroyed, and a new building was made for the shrine in 1968, which is the current building of the Yoshiwara Shrine.
Who is deity?
Kurana Tamashii or Ugamitama no Mikoto is the deity.
In addition, Benzaiten enshrines here. The deity is considered one of the seven deities of Asakusa. That is why it is called Asakusa Meisho Shichifukujin. The deity has been worshipped for a long time to benefit business and artistic success.
Main Yoshiwara Benzaiten Shrine:
The main Yoshiwara Benzaiten Shrine is actually about a minute’s walk from Yoshiwara Shrine, where a statue of Yoshiwara Kannon is standing up, which was built-in 1926.
According to history, the red-light district was surrounded by a pond with 4 meters of water. Besides, the district had only one gate called Omon Gate, which was 9 meters wide.
During the great fire in 1923, the gate was closed to stop women from escaping. But, to be safe, women jumped to the pond, and sadly among them, 490 died.
Later, people built a Yoshiwara Kannon Statue to pray for the soul of the victims.
Historic Aizome Cherry:
A tree called Aizome is at the entrance of Yoshiwara Shrine, which has a long history. Aizome means meeting someone in love.
The Aizome Cherry was near the Omon Gate, where business male customers prayed to meet with a beautiful girl, burnt in 1911.
To replace the tree, a new Aizome Cherry was planted on the spot in 2013.
Festival:
Besides, Hatsumode, there is one more famous festival here which is held every year from the 3rd Friday of May for three days, and a portable shrine is carried around the area.
In addition, several festivals take place at the shrine but are not very popular with international tourists. However, one of the very famous festivals in Asakusa in April every year, ‘Asakusa Kannon-ura Sakura Festival,’ profoundly connects with the Yoshiwara Shrine.
Opening hours: 09:00 -17:00
How to access Yoshiwara Shrine?
There are several ways to access the Yoshiwara Jinja. However, the best way to access the shrine is by hiring a Rickshaw from the Sensoji Temple’s main gate, Kaminarimon.
The benefit of hiring a Rickshaw is easy to access and see surroundings such as Imado Shrine, Matsuchiyama Shoden, Asakusa Otori Shrine, etc.
The rickshaw puller shows around and explains what is what. In addition, the rickshaw puller will work as a free photographer, and the photos will provide great memory in your future life.
At the same time, visitors can go to Minowa Station using Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line from where the Yoshiwara Shrine is only 10 minutes walk.
Nearest Station: Minowa Station
(Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
10 minutes walk
Address:
3 Chome-20-2 Senzoku, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0031
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