Yoroi Shrine [Tokyo]

【Yoroi Shrine Summary】

Yoroi Shrine was founded between 898 and 929. It is believed to have been built between Okubo and Higashi Nakano to protect Enshōji Temple from evil spirits. There is a legend that Emperor Jimmu, on his way to subdue the eastern regions, stored six sets of armor at this location. Until the Edo period, it was known as Yoroi Daimyōjin, but around 947, after the death of Taira no Masakado, his armor was buried here, making it a shrine with a history related to armor.

The deities enshrined here are Yamato Takeru no Mikoto, Onamuchi no Mikoto, Sukunahikona no Mikoto, and Taira no Masakado.

【Seven Shrines of Hokuto？(The Legend of Masakado’s Big Dipper)？】

The “Seven Shrines of Hokuto” refers to seven shrines said to be arranged in the shape of the Big Dipper, and there is an urban legend that “Masakado’s barrier” was erected there. The seven shrines of Hokuto in Edo are said to be Yoroi Shrine, Mizu Inari Shrine, Tsukudo Hachiman Shrine, Kanda Myojin, Masakado’s Head Tomb, Kabuto Shrine, and Torigoe Shrine. ※Tsukudo Hachiman Shrine and Tsukudo Shrine are separate shrines.

Kanda Shrine (Kanda Myojin) [Tokyo]

Tsukudo Shrine and Taira no Masakado’s Grave [Tokyo]

【Yoroi Shrine precincts】

Passing through the torii gate, you will see the main shrine building in front of you. The atmosphere is that of a traditional Japanese shrine, and despite being located in the city, it is surprisingly spacious and quiet.

The komainu (guardian dogs) in front of the worship hall are quite large and impressive.

【Yoroi Shrine main hall】

The current main hall was destroyed in the 1945 Tokyo air raids and rebuilt in 1954.

【Yoroi Shrine precincts Tenjin Shrine】

The Tenjin Shrine within the grounds was originally the original shrine of Naruko Tenjin Shrine, and is therefore called Moto Tenjin. The deity enshrined here is Sugawara no Michizane.

Naruko Tenjinja Shrine [Tokyo]

The komainu (guardian dogs) at Tenjin Shrine were donated in 1721 and are designated as tangible folk cultural properties of Shinjuku Ward. They are rare in that they also serve as koshin-to (stone pillars dedicated to the guardian deity of the temple). They look as if they are about to start talking at any moment.

【Yoroi Shrine precincts Inari Shrine, Mitsumine Shrine】

This is a subsidiary shrine located behind the main shrine of Yoroi Shrine. Near the torii gate of this subsidiary shrine, there is a stone monument indicating a donation made by a baron and army general in 1930, giving it a pre-war feel.

【Yoroi Shrine GOSHUIN】

【Yoroi Shrine Nearby attractions(within a 30-minute walk)】

Naruko Tenjin Shrine, Shinjuku Station, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Naruko Tenjinja Shrine [Tokyo]

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Shinjuku Station [Tokyo]

【Yoroi Shrine Access】

Manager’s Comments

It is a traditional shrine located inconspicuously in a residential area. It usually has the atmosphere of a quiet shrine loved by the local community. As for Masakado’s armor, since it happened over 1,000 years ago, the location where it was buried is unclear, but it is romantic to think that it is somewhere within the shrine grounds.

Site/Facility Size

 (3)

Richness of Nature

 (3)

Ease of access

 (2.5)

Number of tourists

 (1)

Yoroi Shrine

3-16-18 Kita-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0074

※There is no parking available.

About an 11-minute walk from JR Okubo Station.

About a 14-minute walk from JR/Toei Oedo Line Higashi-Nakano Station.

参考

鎧神社（よろいじんじゃ）公式サイト –平将門の鎧が眠ると伝えられる北新宿の神社–

関連投稿(Related Posts):

Tsukudo Shrine and Taira no Masakado’s Grave [Tokyo] Kanda Shrine (Kanda Myojin) [Tokyo] Naruko Tenjinja Shrine [Tokyo] Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Shinjuku Station [Tokyo]