This article is about Shitaya Shrine, a Shinto shrine in Tokyo’s Ueno district. It’s the oldest Inari shrine in the city, with a history stretching back some 1,300 years. People used to say that summer festivals in Tokyo (then called Edo) began at Shitaya Shrine. It’s particularly well-known for its annual festival, which is the first major summer festival in Tokyo.
This article will help you plan a visit to Shitaya Shrine. It includes important details about the shrine’s history, what makes it special, the deities worshipped there, and how to get there. By reading this article, you’ll gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of this historic shrine.
History
Shitaya Shrine’s story begins way back in the 8th century. It started when Haketa Inagi enshrined the deities Otoshi-no-Kami and Yamato-Takeru-no-Mikoto in Ueno Shinobigaoka (now Ueno Park). Over time, the shrine became an important place of worship for the people of Shitamachi, representing the heart of that area of Tokyo.
Here’s a timeline of key events in Shitaya Shrine’s history:
- 730: Haketa Inagi builds Shitaya Inari Shrine in Ueno Shinobigaoka. It’s managed by Shoboin Temple (Tendai sect).
- 940: Fujiwara no Hidesato prays at Shitaya Inari Shrine for victory against Taira no Masakado. After winning, he rebuilds the shrine.
- 1627: The shrine is moved to Ueno Yamashita (near Iwakura High School) to make way for Kaneiji Temple.
- 1663: The shrine moves again, this time to the south side of Kotokuji-Temple-Mae-Dori avenue in Shitaya, after a land exchange with Tenganji Temple in Yanaka.
- 1868: The Shinbutsu Bunri decree separates Shinto and Buddhism, and the shrine becomes independent from Shoboin Temple.
- 1872: Shitaya Inari Shrine is renamed Shitaya Shrine.
- 1923: The Great Kanto earthquake destroys the shrine.
- 1928: The shrine is moved to its current location as part of a town redevelopment project.
- 1934: The current shrine building is rebuilt by the local community.
The Gods of Shitaya Shrine and What They Offer
Otoshi no Kami (大年神)
Also known as Toshigami or Toshitokujin. This is the main god of the shrine, associated with grain and agriculture. People pray to Otoshi no Kami for bountiful harvests, thriving businesses, household safety, and the prosperity of industry.
Yamato Takeru no Mikoto (日本武尊)
Also known as Yamato Takeru no mikoto or Ousu no mikoto. This deity is associated with war and agriculture. Prayers are offered for national peace, good harvests, business success, career advancement, general good fortune, and protection from disasters.
Uga no Mitama no Mikoto (宇賀魂命)
Also known as Inari no kami or Uka no mitama no kami. This goddess, enshrined at the subordinate Ryuei Inari Shrine, is also connected to grain and agriculture. Devotees seek blessings for abundant harvests, business prosperity, family safety, industrial growth, traffic safety, and improvement in the performing arts.
Highlights
The Big Torii Gate
As you walk from Inaricho Station toward Ueno Station on Asakusa-Dori Avenue, you can’t miss Shitaya Shrine’s huge torii gate. It spans the road, allowing cars to drive through it. Built in 1933 and recently restored, this impressive gate makes the shrine easy to find. The calligraphy on the shingaku (nameplate) is by Togo Heihachiro.
Ryuei Inari Shrine
Located to the left of the main hall, this smaller shrine is dedicated to Uka-no-Mitama (O-Inari-san), the younger sister of Shitaya Shrine’s main deity. Like other Inari shrines, Ryuei Inari has many torii gates and numerous fox statues (foxes are considered messengers of Inari). These statues have a variety of expressions that are sure to bring a smile. Built to protect Shitaya Shrine, Ryuei Inari survived the Great Kanto Earthquake fire of 1923, leading locals to worship it as a protector from fire.
Hana-Chozu
Shitaya Shrine greets visitors with a beautiful hana-chozu. This is a traditional practice of floating colorful flowers in the chozu-bachi (purification fountain). The shrine uses different flowers each season, making it a lovely photo opportunity.
Ceiling Painting
Inside the main hall, look up to see a stunning Japanese painting of a dragon. This masterpiece was created and donated by the renowned artist Taikan Yokoyama in 1934. Be sure to get permission from the shrine office before viewing it.
Annual Summer Festival
Shitaya Shrine’s annual festival, the Shitaya Jinja Taisai, takes place in early May. With over 1,000 years of history, it’s the first major summer festival in Tokyo, followed by the Sanja Festival and the Kanda Festival. There’s an old saying: “Summer festivals in Edo (old Tokyo) begin at Shitaya.” Unfortunately, the festival was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and held on a much smaller scale this year. Normally, it attracts around 7,000 participants.
Tthe Eight Lucky Gods of Tokyo Shitamachi
Shitaya Shrine is one of the “Eight Lucky Gods of Tokyo Shitamachi.” This group of eight shrines in Chuo and Taito wards each offers a different blessing. Shitaya Shrine is associated with peace and harmony. The Eight Lucky Gods concept began in 1981 as part of Tokyo’s efforts to revitalize local areas. Visiting these shrines allows you to experience historical sites and the traditional atmosphere of Shitamachi. Learn more about the Eight Lucky Gods here: (link to article)
Other Useful Information
- Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Phone: 03-3831-1488
- Address: 3-29-8 Higashi-Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0015
Getting There
- By Train:
- 6-minute walk from Ueno Station (JR Lines)
- 5-minute walk from Ueno Station (Ginza Line, Exit 1)
- 5-minute walk from Ueno Station (Hibiya Line, Exit 1)
- 2-minute walk from Inaricho Station (Ginza Line)
- 5-minute walk from Shin-Okachimachi Station (Oedo Line, Exit A1)
- 5-minute walk from Shin-Okachimachi Station (Tsukuba Express Line, Exit A1)
- By Bus:
- 2-minute walk from Shitaya Jinja Mae Stop (Toei Bus: Routes 上46, 上23, 草39)
- 5-minute walk from Taito City Hall Stop (Taito Circular Bus: South-Megurin & Gururi-Megurin Routes)
- 3-minute walk from Eiju General Hospital East Stop (Taito Circular Bus: East-West-Megurin & Gururi-Megurin Routes)
- Restrooms: There are no restrooms at the shrine.
