Ishihama Shrine, located in Minami-Senju, Tokyo, is the oldest Shinto shrine in Arakawa City, boasting a history of nearly 1,300 years. During the Edo period, it served as an alternative pilgrimage site for the common people of the Kanto region who could not travel to Ise Jingu Shrine.
This article provides all the essential information you need to plan your visit to Ishihama Shrine. From its fascinating history and highlights to the enshrined deities, worship benefits, and access details, this guide will deepen your appreciation of this historic site. Dive in to discover why Ishihama Shrine is a must-visit destination!
History
The origins of Ishihama Shrine trace back to the Nara period, with its establishment in 724 by Emperor Shomu.
The shrine maintained its prominence even beyond the Kamakura period, gaining the respect of the shogunate. In 1189, Minamoto no Yoritomo visited Ishihama Shrine on his way to the Battle of Oshu to pray for victory. Following his triumph, he constructed the shrine’s main building. Similarly, during the 2nd Mongol Invasion of Japan in 1281, Prince Koreyasu, the 7th shogun of the Kamakura Shogunate, visited the shrine to seek divine favor.
The success of the Kamakura Shogunate in these battles elevated the shrine’s reputation. It became revered by warlords of the Kanto region, such as the Chiba and Utsunomiya clans. From the Kenkyu era (1190–1199 AD) to the Shoji era (1199–1201 AD), Ishihama Shrine gained fame, especially among the common people of the Kanto area. For those unable to undertake the journey to Ise Grand Shrine, Ishihama Shrine served as a significant alternative pilgrimage site.
Tragically, the shrine was destroyed by arson in 1934 but was rebuilt three years later. However, during World War II, much of the shrine’s facilities, apart from the main building, were destroyed by fire. Post-war reconstruction efforts restored the shrine, but it was later relocated to its current location in 1988 as part of the Shirahige Nishi district redevelopment project in Arakawa City.
Enshrined Gods and Their Blessings
Amaterasu Omikami (天照大御神)
- Other Names: Amaterasu Okami (天照大神)
- Divinity: Shinto goddess of the Sun
- Blessings: Fulfillment of any wishes
Toyouke no Omikami (豊受大御神)
- Other Names: Toyoukehime no Kami (豊受姫神), Toyouke Bime no Kami (豊受気毘売神), etc.
- Divinity: Shinto goddess of food, industry, and more
- Blessings: Agricultural protection, fisheries protection, industrial prosperity, business success, good luck, calamity prevention, etc.
Jurojin (寿老神)
- Other Name: Jurojin (寿老人)
- Divinity: Shinto god of longevity
- Blessings: Longevity
- Note: Enshrined at a subordinate shrine next to the main hall.
Susanoo no Mikoto (素戔雄尊)
- Other Names: Susanoo Okami (素盞雄大神), Gozu Tenno (牛頭天王), etc.
- Divinity: Shinto god of the sea, storms, agriculture, and calamity prevention
- Blessings: Calamity prevention, good fortune, matchmaking, abundant harvests, etc.
- Note: Enshrined at a subordinate shrine next to the main hall.
Sugawara no Michizane (菅原道真)
- Other Names: Tenman Tenjin (天満天神), Tenman Daijizai Tenjin (天満大自在天神), etc.
- Divinity: Shinto god of learning, sincerity, and calamity prevention
- Blessings: Academic achievement, calamity prevention, disease cure, etc.
- Note: Enshrined at Kitano Shrine, a subordinate shrine next to the main hall.
Yamato Takeru no Mikoto (日本武尊)
- Other Names: Yamato Takeru no Mikoto (倭建命), Ousu no Mikoto (小碓命), etc.
- Divinity: Shinto god of war, agriculture, and more
- Blessings: National peace, abundant harvests, business success, career success, good fortune, calamity prevention, etc.
- Note: Enshrined at Myogi Hachiman Shrine, a subordinate shrine next to the main hall.
Hontawake no Mikoto (誉田別命)
- Other Names: Emperor Ojin (応神天皇), Yahata no Kami (八幡神), Homuta no Sumera Mikoto (譽田天皇), etc.
- Divinity: Shinto god of victory and war
- Blessings: Success in war, competition, career success, good fortune, etc.
- Note: Enshrined at Myogi Hachiman Shrine, a subordinate shrine next to the main hall.
Taoki Ho’oi no Mikoto (手置帆負命)
- Other Names: None
- Divinity: Shinto god of artisans
- Blessings: Protection of the construction industry, industrial prosperity, etc.
- Note: Enshrined at Araka Shrine, a subordinate shrine.
Hiko Sashiri no Mikoto (彦狭知命)
- Other Names: None
- Divinity: Shinto god of artisans
- Blessings: Protection of the construction industry, industrial prosperity, etc.
- Note: Enshrined at Araka Shrine, a subordinate shrine.
Highlights
Torii Gates
On the approach to Ishihama Shrine, there are two tall torii gates, both built during the Edo period and designated as tangible cultural properties of Arakawa Ward in 2019.
- The First Torii Gate (1779 AD)
- Style: Shinmei torii with a straightforward design, typical for shrines enshrining Amaterasu Omikami.
- Unique Feature: The Kasagi (top horizontal beam) is semi-cylindrical, unlike the standard cylindrical shape.
- The Second Torii Gate (1749 AD)
- Additional Feature: A rare Gakuzuka (nameplate) is attached to the upper center of the gate, which is uncommon for Shinmei torii gates.
Both gates are sometimes referred to as “Ishihama Torii Gates” due to their unique designs, not seen at other shrines.
Subordinate Shrines
Ishihama Shrine hosts numerous subordinate shrines within its precincts, offering visitors a chance to explore its rich history and receive blessings from a variety of enshrined deities.
On the right side of the main shrine building:
- Edo Shrine (江戸神社)
- Kitano Shrine (北野神社)
- Myogi Hachiman Shrine (妙義八幡神社)
- Masaki Inari Shrine (真崎稲荷神社)
- Jurojin (寿老神)
- Hoe Daikokuten (宝得大黒天)
On the approach to the main shrine building:
- Oide Inari Shrine (招来稲荷神社)
- Byakko Hokora (白狐祠)
- Fujizuka (富士塚)
Araka Shrine, another subordinate shrine, requires a reservation for worship.
Designated Cultural Properties of Arakawa Ward
In addition to the torii gates, Ishihama Shrine boasts many tangible cultural properties scattered throughout its precincts. Notable examples include:
- The Monument of the Tales of Ise (1805 AD)
- The Monument of Bosai Kameda (1824 AD)
- Araka Shrine (1779 AD)
- Chozubachi (Ablution Basin, 1688 AD)
- Koshinto Pagoda Towers (1686 AD)
- Fujizuka (1758 AD)
Exploring these sites provides insight into the long-standing historical and cultural significance of the shrine.
Ishihama Saryo Cafe “Raku”
Opened in December 2020 to commemorate the shrine’s 1,300th anniversary, Ishihama Saryo Cafe offers visitors a chance to relax in the precincts.
- Signature Drink: Coffee made with sacred water (Goshinsui) from a well within the shrine grounds. The coffee beans are sourced from Café Bach, one of Tokyo’s premier coffee roasters.
Visitors are encouraged to check the shrine’s official website for updated business hours due to possible changes.
The Twenty-Five Tenjin of Edo (#18)
Kitano Shrine, one of Ishihama Shrine’s subordinate shrines, is #18 in the Twenty-Five Tenjin of Edo—a collection of 25 major Tenjin shrines in Tokyo established in the 19th century.
The Seven Lucky Gods of Asakusa (Jurojin)
Ishihama Shrine is home to Jurojin, the god of longevity, one of the Seven Lucky Gods of Asakusa. Pilgrimage to the nine shrines and temples that enshrine the Seven Lucky Gods is a delightful way to explore the Asakusa and Arakawa areas.
For more details, see the related article on the Seven Lucky Gods of Asakusa.
Other Useful Information
Opening Hours
- 09:00 to 16:30
Contact
- Phone: 03-3801-6425
Address
- Minami-Senju 3-28-58, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo 116-0003
- Google Map:
Access
Public Transport (Train)
- 15-minute walk from Minami-Senju Station on:
- JR Line
- Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line
- Joban Line
- Tsukuba Express Line
Public Transport (Bus)
- 1-minute walk from Hashiba 2-Chome Apaato-mae Stop on:
- Gururi-Megurin (Taito City Circular Route Bus)
- Toei Bus Route Kusa-42-3 (草 42-3)
Public Restroom Availability
- Ishihama Joshi Park: Located in front of the shrine.
- Raku Shrine Cafe: Restroom available for visitors.
