Shinagawa Shrine

Overview

Shinagawa Shrine, located in Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo, boasts a rich history, beginning when Minamoto no Yoritomo enshrined Ame no Hiri no Meme-no-mikoto, inviting the deity from Suzaki Shrine in Awa Province, and naming it Shinagawa Daimyojin. In 1319, during the late Kamakura period, Nikkaido Michiunen, a vassal of Hojo Takatoki, enshrined Uka no Mitama-no-kami (Inari god). Further, in 1478 during the mid-Muromachi period, Ota Dokan enshrined Susanoo-no-mikoto (Tenno god), resulting in the current enshrined deities. In 1600, Tokugawa Ieyasu visited Shinagawa Shrine before the Battle of Sekigahara to pray for victory. Following his victory, he donated masks (Tenka-issho no Men) and portable shrines (Aoi Mikoshi) as offerings. In 1591, Tokugawa Ieyasu granted the shrine 5 koku of land, solidifying its special status as a shrine under Tokugawa patronage. Its crest was even designated as the Tokugawa family's "Maru ni Mitsuba Aoi" (three mallow leaves in a circle), and it was designated a "Go Shuho Sho" (meaning repairs and reconstruction of the shrine buildings were covered by the Edo shogunate), receiving extensive protection from the Tokugawa family. Subsequently, Emperor Meiji designated Shinagawa Shrine as a Junchokusaisha (quasi-imperial shrine), highlighting its role in protecting Tokyo and ensuring the well-being of its people. It was also elevated to the rank of Gosha and included among the Ten Great Shrines of Tokyo, demonstrating its continuous development throughout history. Today, as one of Tokyo's Ten Great Shrines, it attracts numerous worshippers from across Japan. Shinagawa Shrine offers many historical and traditional sights. The "Soryu Torii" (double dragon torii gate) at the entrance is one of the "Tokyo San Torii," along with those at Koenji Temple in Suginami Ward and Mabashi Inari Shrine. The shrine grounds also feature Shinagawa Fuji, a Fujizuka, considered the largest in Tokyo at approximately 15 meters tall and a focal point of faith during the Edo period. Numerous cultural assets and historical sites are also present within Shinagawa Shrine, including the "Shinagawa Shrine's Taisai Kagura" (designated as an intangible folk cultural property of Tokyo), the "Stone Torii Gate (Soryu Torii) and Water Basin," "Stone Lanterns," "Mikoshi (Aoi Mikoshi)," "Shinagawa Shrine Documents," and the "Itagaki Taisuke Grave" (all designated as cultural properties of Shinagawa Ward). Shinagawa Shrine is a wonderful place where history, culture, and nature harmoniously coexist. We highly encourage a visit.