The “Shrines” category of the Tokyo Shitamachi Guide introduces Shinto shrines in Tokyo’s Shitamachi area, located along and east of the Sumida River.
In each article, we recommend a unique location to enhance your sightseeing experience in Tokyo. This time, we focus on Asakusa Fuji Sengen Shrine, a Shinto shrine in Asakusa, Taito Ward.
Asakusa Fuji Sengen Shrine is affiliated with Asakusa Shrine. Although it is just a 5-minute walk from Asakusa Shrine, it is managed by Asakusa Shrine itself.
Also known as O-Fuji-San (Lady Fuji), this shrine has a history of being referred to as Fuji Gongen (the goddess of Mt. Fuji) in the past.
Every year, as part of the annual celebration of Asakusa Fuji Sengen Shrine, the surrounding neighborhood holds a plant fair called “O-Fuji-San no Ueki-Ichi” on the last Saturday and Sunday of May and June.
Together with the Hydrangea Festival at Chokokuji Temple, this plant fair has become a beloved early summer tradition in the Asakusa area.
This article provides clear and easy-to-follow information about Asakusa Fuji Sengen Shrine, including:
- Historical background
- Enshrined deities
- Highlights
- Transportation options
- And more!
Use this guide as a helpful reference for your visit to Asakusa Fuji Sengen Shrine.
History
The exact origins of Asakusa Fuji Sengen Shrine are unknown, but it is believed to have existed since at least the 17th century.
A long time ago, a man named Ikeda Sadatsune, a feudal lord of the Wakasa clan in Inaba Province (now part of eastern Tottori Prefecture), played a significant role in documenting the history of the area. He was also highly regarded as a literary figure.
In 1820, Ikeda Sadatsune published a book titled Sensoji-Shi, which focused on Sensoji Temple and its surrounding areas. The book included a map known as Kanbun Juichinen Edo Ezu, depicting Edo (present-day Tokyo) around 1671.
This old map features Asakusa Fuji Sengen Shrine, which confirms that the shrine existed by at least 1671, during the early Edo period.
During the Edo period, Asakusa Fuji Sengen Shrine was managed by Shuzenin Temple, a subsidiary of Sensoji Temple located within its precincts.
However, in 1868, the Meiji government introduced the Shinbutsu Bunri policy, which aimed to separate Buddhism from Shintoism and eliminate Buddhist influence on Shinto shrines.
As a result, Shuzenin Temple was no longer allowed to manage Asakusa Fuji Sengen Shrine. In 1873, Asakusa Shrine took over the management of Asakusa Fuji Sengen Shrine, which remains under its care today.
The Enshrined Deity
Konohanasakuya-Hime
Asakusa Fuji Sengen Shrine is dedicated to Konohanasakuya-Hime, a Shinto deity renowned for her beauty and connection to Mt. Fuji. It is said that the word “sakura” (cherry blossom) originates from her name.
Konohanasakuya-Hime is revered as the deity of safe childbirth and child-rearing. Her blessings include:
- Fire calamity prevention
- Safe delivery
- Fertility and pregnancy
- And more
Highlights
Fujizuka
Asakusa Fuji Sengen Shrine features a Fujizuka within its precincts. A Fujizuka is an artificial mound or mountain created to resemble Mt. Fuji.
From the 17th to the 20th century, Fujiko, a folk religion dedicated to the worship of Mt. Fuji, gained popularity among commoners in Edo (modern-day Tokyo). One of the central practices of Fujiko was climbing Mt. Fuji. However, for many Edo residents, traveling to Mt. Fuji was difficult. As an alternative, they visited local Fujizuka as a way to participate in the tradition.
The original Fujizuka at Asakusa Fuji Sengen Shrine was destroyed during World War II. The current Fujizuka was reconstructed in 2016.
O-Fuji-San no Ueki-Ichi
Every year on July 1st, the climbing season for Mt. Fuji begins. To mark this occasion, Asakusa Fuji Sengen Shrine holds its annual ceremony.
As part of the celebration, the surrounding neighborhood hosts a plant fair called “O-Fuji-San no Ueki-Ichi.” This fair takes place on the last Saturday and Sunday of May and June.
During O-Fuji-San no Ueki-Ichi, gardeners and food stalls line Asakusa Yanagi-dori Street and Ichiyozakura/Komatsubashi-dori Street, creating a lively atmosphere.
Along with the Hydrangea Festival at Chokokuji Temple, O-Fuji-San no Ueki-Ichi has become a beloved early summer tradition in the Asakusa area.
According to Asakusa Shrine, approximately 300,000 visitors attended the plant fair in 2008.
Other Useful Information
Opening Hours
The shrine is generally unmanned except during New Year’s holidays, the annual ceremony day, and O-Fuji-San no Ueki-Ichi.
TEL
03-3844-1575 (Asakusa Shrine)
Address
Asakusa 5-3-2, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0032
Public Transport
By Train
- 10-minute walk from Asakusa Station (Exit 6) on the Ginza Line
- 10-minute walk from Asakusa Station (Central Exit) on the Asakusa Line
- 13-minute walk from Asakusa Station (Exit 6) on the Tobu Isesaki Line (Tobu Skytree Line)
- 15-minute walk from Asakusa Station (Exit A1) on the Tsukuba Express Line
By Megurin Bus
- 1-minute walk from Asakusa Keisatsusho-Mae Stop (#20) on the Megurin North Route (via Asakusa)
The Megurin Bus is a community bus service operated by Taito Ward, Tokyo. It’s an affordable and convenient way to explore the area. We highly recommend taking the Megurin Bus when visiting Taito Ward, as it provides access to nearly all the key spots in the ward at a low fare.
For more details about the Megurin Bus, refer to this article:
Enjoying Tokyo Shitamachi with Megurin Bus
Megurin is a community bus operated by Taito Ward. As of September 2021, it runs five routes covering Taito Ward and parts of Bunkyo Ward, making it easy to explore the area.
By Toei Bus
- 2-minute walk from Asakusa Keisatsusho-Mae Stop on Route 草 64 (Kusa 64)
Public Restroom Availability
There is no restroom within the shrine grounds, but you can find one in Fuji Park behind the Asakusa Police Department.
