Imado Shrine, located in Imado, Tokyo, is a Shinto shrine known for blessings in matchmaking and economic fortune. It is also a favorite among young women because of its reputation as a famous cat shrine.
This article provides helpful information for visiting Imado Shrine. You’ll learn about its history, key attractions, the enshrined Shinto gods, the blessings offered, and how to get there. By the end, you’ll find the shrine even more fascinating and worth a visit!
History
The history of Imado Shrine goes back to the Heian period and is marked by numerous disasters and reconstructions.
Note: Hachimangu shrines enshrine Emperor Ojin, Japan’s 15th emperor, as a deity. He is believed to be the god of war and good fortune, making these shrines popular among samurai, including the Minamoto and Taira clans.
During the Former Nine Years’ War (early Heian period), Minamoto no Yoriyoshi prayed for victory at Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine in Kyoto. After his success, he brought the shrine’s deity to Imado (now part of Asakusa) in 1063, founding Imado Hachimangu Shrine.
In 1081, during the Later Three-Year War, Minamoto no Yoshiie also prayed at the shrine before heading north to defeat the Kiyohara clan. After winning the war, he rebuilt the shrine to show his gratitude.
Over the centuries, the shrine suffered damage and was reconstructed multiple times. In 1636, during the Edo period, Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third shogun, ordered its restoration. However, it was later destroyed by the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923 and again during the Bombing of Tokyo in 1945.
In 1937, Hakusan Shrine was moved to the same site, and the shrine was renamed Imado Shrine. The current building was completed in 1971, continuing the legacy of this historic site.
Enshrined Gods and Their Blessings
Emperor Ojin (應神天皇)
- Also Known As: Yahata no kami (八幡神), Homuta no sumera mikoto (譽田天皇), Hontawake no mikoto (誉田別命), etc.
- Role: Shinto god of victory and war.
- Blessings: Success in battles, career success, good fortune, and long-lasting luck.
Izanagi no Mikoto (伊弉諾尊)
- Also Known As: Izanagi no mikoto (伊邪那岐命), etc.
- Role: Shinto god of Japan’s creation and the origin of other gods.
- Blessings: Marital harmony, family prosperity, matchmaking, long life, and calamity protection.
Izanami no Mikoto (伊弉冉尊)
- Also Known As: Izanami no mikoto (伊邪那美命), etc.
- Role: Shinto goddess of Japan’s creation and the origin of other gods.
- Blessings: Love fulfillment, marital harmony, safe childbirth, and business success.
Fukurokuju (福禄寿)
- Also Known As: Fukurokujin (福禄人).
- Role: God of happiness, prosperity, and longevity.
- Blessings: Economic fortune, health, longevity, popularity, matchmaking, and family prosperity.
Highlights
Gigantic Maneki-Neko Dolls
Imado Shrine is known as a “cat shrine,” and you can spot Maneki-Neko (beckoning cat) figures throughout its grounds. It’s believed that the origins of Maneki-Neko dolls trace back to the Imado area, making them a central theme of the shrine.
One standout feature is the giant Maneki-Neko doll displayed in the shrine’s main hall, measuring about 2 meters tall. This figure resembles a Tokoname-style Maneki-Neko rather than the traditional Imado ware design. Its raised left paw is believed to invite good connections even from afar.
Nade-Neko Dolls
In front of the main hall, you’ll find a pair of stone Maneki-Neko statues called Nade-Neko (stroking cats). These cats are popular among visitors who believe that taking a photo of them after stroking them, and setting it as your smartphone wallpaper, will help wishes come true, such as bringing good fortune. Due to frequent TV features, you might encounter a line of visitors, especially young women, eager to try this custom.
The Seven Lucky Gods of Asakusa: Fukurokuju
Imado Shrine is home to Fukurokuju, one of the Seven Lucky Gods, who symbolizes happiness, wealth, and longevity. Worshiping Fukurokuju is believed to bring blessings such as economic prosperity, health, and long life.
Fukurokuju at Imado Shrine is part of the Seven Lucky Gods of Asakusa, a group of deities enshrined across nine locations in Taito and Arakawa Wards. A pilgrimage to these shrines and temples is a fantastic way to explore Asakusa.
For more about the Seven Lucky Gods of Asakusa, see the following article:
The Eight Lucky Gods of Tokyo Shitamachi: Matchmaking
Imado Shrine is also one of the Eight Lucky Gods of Tokyo Shitamachi, a group of eight shrines in Chuo and Taito Wards, each offering unique blessings. Imado Shrine is particularly associated with matchmaking.
This concept, introduced in 1981 as part of a regional revitalization project, invites visitors to explore historic sites and soak in the nostalgic atmosphere of Tokyo’s Shitamachi (downtown) area while making a pilgrimage to these shrines.
For more about the Eight Lucky Gods of Tokyo Shitamachi, see the following article:
Other Useful Information
Opening Hours
- From 09:00 to 15:00
Contact Information
- TEL: 03-3872-2703
- Address: Imado 1-5-22, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0024
- Google Map:
Public Transport (Train)
- 15 minutes on foot from Asakusa Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
- 15 minutes on foot from Asakusa Station (Toei Subway Asakusa Line)
- 15 minutes on foot from Asakusa Station (Tobu Isesaki Line)
Public Transport (Bus)
- 1 minute on foot from Riverside Sports Center-mae Stop:
- Gururi-Megurin or Kita-Megurin routes of Taito City Circular Route Bus
- Toei Bus Route Higashi 42-3 (東 42-3)
- 5 minutes on foot from Asakusa 7-Chome Stop on Toei Bus Route Higashi 42-1 (東 42-1)
Public Restroom Availability
- No public restrooms are available on-site. Please use nearby convenience stores or other facilities.
References
- For additional details, consult reliable travel or shrine resources.
