The “Highlights” category of the Tokyo Shitamachi Guide features must-visit spots in Tokyo’s Shitamachi area (the area along and east of the Sumida River). We select an interesting spot each time for your sightseeing in Tokyo.
In this blog post, we will discuss Sakura (cherry blossoms) at Yoshiwara Shrine, a Shinto shrine in Tokyo’s Taito Ward.
Yoshiwara Shrine has a deep association with the Yoshiwara Yukaku, which was the biggest legal red-light district and was also located in Taito Ward. Although Yoshiwara Yukaku was famous for Sakura, Yoshiwara Shrine’s Sakura is also a must-see in the spring.
This blog post will share information about Sakura at Yoshiwara Shrine. We hope you find it useful when you plan to visit Tokyo’s Shitamachi area, especially the Asakusa area, for sightseeing.
This blog post is also available in Japanese. You can refer to it at the following link:
About Yoshiwara Shrine
Yoshiwara Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Senzoku, Taito Ward. There used to be an area called the Yoshiwara Yukaku. And Yoshiwara Shrine has a deep association with Yoshiwara Yukaku.
The Yoshiwara Yukaku was the largest legal red-light district in Japan. As the manga/anime “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Entertainment District Arc” features the Yoshiwara Yukaku, some of you may know about this district.
The Yoshiware Yukaku had five small Inari shrines in and around its precincts. In 1872, these five Shinto shrines were enshrined together and became Yoshiwara Shrine.
At that time, Yoshiwara Shrine was located near Yoshiwara Omon Gate. This gate was the only entrance to the Yoshiwara Yukaku during normal times.
In 1934, Yoshiwara Shrine moved to its current location. At the same time, Yoshiwara Shrine acquired Yoshiwara Benzaiten Shrine, another Shinto shrine in the neighborhood.
For more information about Yoshiwara Shrine, please refer to the blog posts below:
Aizome Sakura at Yoshiwara Shrine
Aizome Sakura is a weeping cherry tree planted to the left of the Torii gate of Yoshiwara Shrine. Aizome means meeting someone you are in love with.
Aizome Sakura was originally planted near Yoshiwara Omon Gate. During the Edo period, male guests prayed to this cherry tree for a wonderful encounter before entering the Yoshiwara Yukaku.
There were a pine tree called Komadome no Matsu and a willow tree called Mikaeri Yanagi planted near Aizome Sakura. People called these three trees “Kuruwa no Sangaboku (the three graceful trees of the Yoshiwara Yukaku).”
Sakura at Yoshiwara Benzaiten Shrine
Yoshiwara Benzaiten Shrine is a subordinate Shinto shrine to Yoshiwara Shrine. Yoshiwara Shrine owns and manages Yoshiwara Benzaiten Shrine. And it’s a 1-minute walk away from Yoshiwara Shrine.
Yoshiwara Benzaiten Shrine has a Kannon statue called Yoshiwara Kannon in its precincts. This statue is to commemorate the victims of the Yoshiwara Yukaku in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923.
The precincts of Yoshiwara Benzaiten are covered with shade because of the thick vegetation. Therefore, you may feel a little dim.
However, in the spring, Sakura is in full bloom behind the Yoshiwara Kannon statue. The contrast between the green of the statue, the pale pink of Sakura, and the light blue of the sky is very attractive. You must visit and see it if you visit the Asakusa area during the Sakura season.
