Ono Terusaki Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Shitaya, Taito Ward, Tokyo. It’s known for its connection to Atsumi Kiyoshi, the famous actor who starred in the “Otoko wa Tsuraiyo” movie series. He prayed at the shrine as a young man before landing the starring role. The shrine is dedicated to Ono no Takamura, a god of scholarship and the arts.
This guide provides everything you need to know to visit Ono Terusaki Shrine, including its history, highlights, the gods enshrined there, and how to get there.
Overview
- Location: 2-13-14 Shitaya, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0004
- Founded: 852 AD
- Deities: Ono no Takamura (scholarship, arts), Sugawara no Michizane (scholarship, business)
- Benefits: Improvement in performing arts, academic achievement, career success, etc.
- Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Nearest Stations: Iriya Station (Hibiya Line, Exit 4), Uguisudani Station (JR Line, South Exit)
- Nearest Bus Stop: Iriya-eki Iriguchi (North Megurin Bus, Negishi Route)
History
Onoterusaki Shrine’s history begins in the 9th century. When Ono no Takamura returned to Kyoto after his service, he admired the scenery of the Ueno Terusaki area (near Shinobugaoka Junior High School). After his death in 852, locals built a shrine in Ueno Terusaki to honor him.
During the Edo period, the shrine was managed by Reishoin Temple (Tendai sect) as part of the common practice of blending Shinto and Buddhist beliefs.
- 852: Onoterusaki Shrine built in Ueno Terusaki.
- 1625: Moved to its current location to make way for Kaneiji Temple.
- Late Edo Period: Sugawara no Michizane enshrined here.
- 1782: Fujizuka (Shitaya Sakamoto Fuji) built.
- 1866: Current shrine buildings constructed.
Enshrined Gods and Their Blessings
- Ono no Takamura: God of arts, scholarship, and business. Benefits include improvements in arts and performing arts, academic success, and career advancement. (Main deity)
- Sugawara no Michizane: God of scholarship, sincerity, and protection from disasters. Benefits include academic achievement, protection from calamities and disease. (Co-enshrined in the main hall)
Several other deities are enshrined in subordinate shrines within the grounds, each with their own associated blessings:
- Mitake Shrine: Kuni no Tokotachi no Mikoto (land protection), Kunisatsuchi no Mikoto (earth, life), and Toyokumune no Mikoto (fertile land).
- Mitsumine Shrine: Izanagi no Mikoto and Izanami no Mikoto (creation, marriage, childbirth).
- Kotohira Shrine: Susanoo no Mikoto (war, sea, storms, agriculture).
- Inari Shrine: Uka no Mitama no Mikoto (grain, food, agriculture).
- Orihime Shrine: Takuhata Chijihime no Mikoto (textiles).
- Koshinzuka: Sarutahiko no Mikoto (guidance).
Highlights
Tachimono
Tachimono is when you willingly give up eating a certain food or doing something you like, either for a set time or permanently. People believe that if you make a wish at Onoterusaki Shrine while practicing tachimono, the gods will be even more likely to grant you good fortune in business. For instance, the famous Japanese actor Atsumi Kiyoshi gave up smoking as his tachimono offering. Afterward, he landed the starring role in the popular “Otoko wa Tsuraiyo” movies and TV show.
Shuin
Shuin (also called goshuin) are special stamps given to worshippers at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples in Japan. Onoterusaki Shrine offers a unique shuin design each month, featuring colorful Japanese-style paintings. If you collect shuin, you might want to visit the shrine every month to get the latest design. You can see examples of their monthly shuin on their official website (link provided below).
Koshinzuka
A koshinzuka is a mound built as part of the Koshin-shinko folk belief, which has roots in Taoism. This belief holds that tiny, imaginary insects called Sanshi live inside our bodies. On Koshin nights (which occur every 60 days), these Sanshi leave our bodies while we sleep and report our sins to the gods.
Because of this, people traditionally stayed awake all night on Koshin days. These gatherings were called Koshinko. Those who participated in 18 consecutive Koshinko gatherings would build a koshinzuka to mark this accomplishment.
The koshinzuka at Onoterusaki Shrine contains 11 stone monuments, the oldest of which dates back to 1647. It’s considered one of the three major koshin sites in Japan, along with the Koshindo at Shitennoji Temple in Osaka and Kongoji Temple in Kyoto.
Fujizuka
Onoterusaki Shrine has a fujizuka (called Shitaya Sakamoto Fuji), which was built in 1782 on the shrine grounds. Since ancient times, people in Japan have worshipped Mount Fuji. A fujizuka is a man-made replica of the mountain, offering a substitute for those unable to make the actual climb.
The fujizuka at Onoterusaki Shrine is made with real lava rock from Mount Fuji. At the first station of the climb, you’ll find a statue of En no Gyoja, the founder of Shugendo (a form of mountain asceticism). At the fifth station, there’s a statue of Kakugyo, who founded the Fujiko faith (a sect dedicated to Mount Fuji worship). This fujizuka is recognized as an important tangible folk cultural property of Japan.
Thw Twenty-Five Tenjin of Edo
Ono terusaki Shrine is one of the “Twenty-Five Tenjin of Edo.” This refers to 25 major Tenjin shrines in Tokyo, all dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, a deity of scholarship. The concept of the Twenty-Five Tenjin of Edo arose in the 19th century. There’s a similar grouping known as the “Twenty-Five Tenmangu Shrines of Tokyo.”
Each of the Twenty-Five Tenjin shrines has a number, representing its order in a traditional pilgrimage. Onoterusaki Shrine, for example, is number 14.
If you’d like to learn more about another of these important shrines, this article features Ishihama Shrine:
The Eight Lucky Gods of Tokyo Shitamachi
Onoterusaki Shrine is one of the “Eight Lucky Gods of Tokyo Shitamachi.” This group consists of eight Shinto shrines located in Tokyo’s Chuo and Taito wards. Each shrine is associated with a different blessing. Onoterusaki Shrine, in particular, is known for bestowing blessings related to academics and the performing arts.
The concept of the Eight Lucky Gods of Tokyo Shitamachi was established in 1981 as part of Tokyo’s regional revitalization efforts. Pilgrims visiting these shrines can enjoy historical sites and experience the traditional atmosphere of Tokyo’s Shitamachi area.
For more information about the Eight Lucky Gods of Tokyo Shitamachi, please see the following article
Other Useful Information
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Phone: 03-3872-5514
- Address: 2-13-14 Shitaya, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0004
- Access:
- Train: 3-minute walk from Iriya Station (Hibiya Line, Exit 4), 7-minute walk from Uguisudani Station (JR Line, South Exit)
- Bus: 1-minute walk from Iriya-eki Iriguchi Bus Stop (North Megurin Bus, Negishi Route)
- Restrooms: Not available, but you can ask at the shrine office.
