A shrine brimming with history and mystery, where two adorable smiling monkey statues, along with "See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" carvings, watch over travelers' safety and business prosperity.
Shrines and Temples
📷
No image
📷
No image
📷
No image
📷
No image
Loading...
Highlights
Adorable smiling monkey statues
"See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" carvings
5-minute walk from the JR Sugamo Station central ticket gate (turn right)
5-minute walk from Sugamo Station on the Toei Mita Line (A3 exit)
10-minute walk from Koshinzuka Station on the Toden Arakawa Line (cross the tracks)
3-minute walk from "Togenuki Jizo-mae" bus stop (Buses 63 and 64) Show route
Op.Hours
24 hours a day
Cld.Days
None
Fee
Free
INFO
Please refrain from lingering on the temple grounds at night or sitting on the steps.
Wheelchair access is available via the slope to the right of the main hall.
Pets are allowed in the main hall if carried in a carrier or “dakko” cart. They are not allowed on a leash.
Sugamo Koshin-do Shrine, located in Sugamo, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, enshrines Sarutahiko-O-kami. Its history is deep-rooted, having thrived as a key point along the Nakasendo highway. During the Edo period, it was revered as a deity for ensuring safe travels and business success, attracting numerous worshippers.
Instead of komainu (lion-dog statues), the shrine features two adorable smiling monkey statues with "See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" carvings. These monkeys are believed to be messengers of Sarutahiko-O-kami, watching over travelers' safety. Behind the main hall is a chozusho (water basin) called Nagasuisho, featuring a dragon figurine. This dragon is considered a water deity, believed to pray for travelers' safe journey.
Sugamo Koshin-do Shrine holds various legends and traditions. For instance, it is said that numerous Koshin towers once stood in this area, indicating a thriving Koshin faith. Sarutahiko-O-kami is also known as a guiding deity, with tales of guiding lost travelers.
Even today, Sugamo Koshin-do Shrine remains a beloved place of worship. People visit to pray for safe travels, business prosperity, and warding off evil. Its popularity as a power spot also draws those seeking physical and mental rejuvenation.
Sugamo Koshin-do Shrine is a captivating shrine filled with history, mystery, and a unique charm. We highly recommend visiting.
Favorite
