Tateishi Kumano Shrine [Tokyo]

【Tateishi Kumano Shrine Summary】

Tateishi Kumano Shrine was founded around 999. According to the shrine’s tradition and the “Shinpen Musashi Fudoki,” it began when the Onmyōji Abe no Seimei enshrined the Kumano Great Deity (Kumano Gongen) here during the Chōhō era (999–1003). The mountain name of the nearby Gohōzan Nanzōin Tateishi Temple is also Gohōzan, suggesting they were originally one entity before the separation of Shinto and Buddhism.

The enshrined deities are the principal deity, Izanagi-no-Okami, and the co-enshrined deities, Hayatama-no-Okami and Kotosaka-no-Okami.

【Tateishi Kumano Shrine Relationship with Abe no Seimei】

Shrines associated with Abe no Seimei are scattered throughout Japan, but particularly famous are Seimei Shrine in Kyoto City, which stands on the site of Seimei’s residence, and this Gohōyama Kumano Shrine, where Seimei is said to have enshrined the Kumano deity. Located on the right bank of the Nakagawa River’s meandering section (Nakagawa Nanamagari) within Katsushika Ward, it is said to have formed a regular pentagon with each side measuring about thirty ken. The area was reportedly prone to frequent river flooding. Therefore, it is said that Abe no Seimei established protective barriers based on the principles of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements.

The site still bears traces of this, and its layout is said to be shaped like the Five Elements. It is the only shrine in the Kanto region associated with Abe no Seimei. ※The above photo is from the Kumano Gakuen website.

【Tateishi Kumano Shrine ShrineGate】

ShrineGate was built in 2007 (Heisei 19) to commemorate its 1000th anniversary.

【Tateishi Kumano Shrine worship hall】

The worship hall was constructed in 1921 (Taisho 10) and rebuilt in 1961 (Showa 36).

The camphor trees standing on either side of the shrine hall are known as the “Couple Camphor Trees.” The base of the camphor tree beside the Inari shrine had become shrine-like. They are said to be over 300 years old and are currently registered as a Natural Monument of Katsushika Ward.

【Tateishi Kumano Shrine subordinate shrine】

Additionally, within the temple grounds are the Water Shrine, Tenmangu Shrine, Sengen Shrine, and Inari Shrine.

【Tateishi Kumano Shrine Five-storied pagoda】

Surprisingly, there is a five-story pagoda within these temple grounds, and it is said to be the tallest bronze pagoda in Japan.

Research indicates this pagoda was cast around 1700 during the Edo period by the Mitsui family and was later moved to Kyoto during the Meiji era. This five-story pagoda serves as an ancestral shrine, enshrining the spirits of the ancestors of the members of the Yin-Yang Ancestral Spirit Believers’ Association.

【Tateishi Kumano Shrine Pony Park】

This shrine has a kindergarten and pony farm attached to it, and the animals are kept to provide children with nature-based education. It takes pride in and feels a sense of responsibility for nurturing local children, making it a bit unusual compared to typical kindergartens.

This white pony keeps following me with his eyes—I wonder if he likes me?

【Tateishi Kumano Shrine GOSHUIN】

【Tateishi Kumano Shrine Nearby attractions】

Shibamata Taishakuten, Tora-san Memorial Museum

【Tateishi Kumano Shrine Access】

Manager’s Comments

This shrine is packed with attractions within its compact grounds and is deeply rooted in the community, featuring an attached kindergarten and pony farm. Honestly, while it’s said the ancient Tokaido road passed through here, whether Abe no Seimei actually traveled all the way to Katsushika Tateishi, far from the capital… well, that can’t be proven. Even today, the number of visitors clearly shows how deeply it’s revered by local residents. You can also find monthly-changing and special goshuin stamps, which I think will add to the enjoyment of visiting for those who collect them.

Scale

 (3.5)

Access

 (3)

History and Origins

 (4)

Nature and Landscape

 (3.5)

Stillness

 (3)

Types of Goshuin

 (4)

Address of the Tateishi Kumano Shrine

〒124-0012 8-44-31 Tateishi, Katsushika Ward, Tokyo

※There is no parking available.

About a 10-minute walk from Keisei Main Line Aoto Station

参考

熊野学園

関連投稿(Related Posts):

Shinjuku Juniso Kumano-jinja Shrine [Tokyo] Gotokuji Temple [Tokyo] Senso-ji Temple [Tokyo] Konno Hachimangu Shrine and Toyosaka Inari Shrine [Tokyo]