Igusa Hachimangu Shrine [Tokyo]

【Igusa Hachimangu Shrine Summary】

Igusa Hachimangu Shrine’s founding year is unknown. One theory states it was originally a Kasuga Shrine established in 849 (Kashō 2). Around 1189 (Bunji 5), Minamoto no Yoritomo stopped by to pray for victory in his campaign against the northern provinces. He enshrined and merged the Hachiman deity here, transforming it into a Hachimangu shrine dedicated to the warrior god. Archaeological remains from the Jomon period have been discovered within the shrine grounds, suggesting the site was originally a sacred place that was later developed into a shrine. Until the Meiji period, it was known as “Osonoi Hachimangu,” named after an old place name said to have been given by Minamoto no Yoritomo.

The enshrined deities are Yahata no Ōkami, Emperor Ōjin, and Kasuga no Kami. *This shrine appears to clearly distinguish between Yahata no Ōkami and Emperor Ōjin.

【Igusa Hachimangu Shrine Great Torii Gate and Large Lantern】

There are two large approach paths. The North Approach features a large 9-meter-tall lantern and a torii gate. The large torii gate was erected in 2013 (Heisei 25) to replace the stone torii gate damaged in the Great East Japan Earthquake.

We recommend visiting via the North worshipper’s path.

【Igusa Hachimangu Shrine East worshipper’s path】

The East worshipper’s path also features a large torii gate, standing 9 meters tall. The approach path stretches 200 meters in a straight line. This area serves as the horseback archery ritual ground, hosting events including the horseback archery ceremony held once every five years.

【Igusa Hachimangu Shrine Two-storied gate】

Following the North worshipper’s path and East worshipper’s path, they converge at this point where the Two-storied gate comes into view.

A pair of guardian deities are enshrined here, with statues of Kushihikamado-no-Kami and Toyohikamado-no-Kami placed on either side. Though its grandeur makes it resemble a main gate, it is actually the east gate when viewed from the main shrine hall.

Since it is the east gate, the main shrine building is not visible directly ahead once you pass through the gate. The shrine crest is the “three-legged tomoe.” This is a common crest often seen at shrines dedicated to Hachiman (Emperor Ojin).

【Igusa Hachimangu Shrine Temizuya】

Temizuya is simple. The moss lends a subdued flavor.

【Igusa Hachimangu Shrine Precincts】

The precincts in front of the main hall are laid out quite expansively, and perhaps as a remnant of its former status as Kasuga Shrine, it feels distinct in its construction from other Hachiman shrines.

【Igusa Hachimangu Shrine worship hall】

A worship hall with a simple, well-organized beauty.

The current worship hall was apparently rebuilt in 1664. The square main hall, known as the Suzaku Main Hall and finished in vermilion lacquer, is said to be the oldest wooden structure in Suginami Ward.

【Igusa Hachimangu Shrine South worshipper’s path】

To the north and east, there are splendid worshippers’ paths, but for an ancient shrine, they felt out of place.

Although no detailed information was available, the south parking lot located directly in line with the front of the shrine hall is believed to have originally been the approach path.

【Igusa Hachimangu Shrine GOSHUIN】

【Igusa Hachimangu Shrine Nearby attractions】

Ogikubo Hachiman Shrine, Kansenzanji Temple, Inokashira Park, Omiya Hachiman Shrine

Omiya Hachiman Shrine [Tokyo]

【Igusa Hachimangu Shrine Access】

Manager’s Comments

It was a lovely shrine with a simple, well-maintained beauty reminiscent of olden times. It occupies a vast site and has a particularly strong presence in this area. Access from the nearest station isn’t great, but personally, I ranked it among the top shrines in Tokyo. Its origins are said to be similar to Omiya Hachiman, where Minamoto no Yoritomo stopped to pray for victory in battle. But I can’t help wondering… was it really feasible to make shrine visits at the pace of modern military marches, stopping by like one would at a convenience store…?

Scale

 (4.5)

Access

 (2)

History and Origins

 (5)

Nature and Landscape

 (4)

Stillness

 (4.5)

Types of Goshuin

 (3)

Address of the Igusa Hachimangu Shrine

167-0041 1-33-1 Zenpukuji, Suginami City, Tokyo

※Free parking available

Approximately 25 minutes on foot from Kami-Igusa Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line

Approximately 10 minutes by car from Ogikubo Station on the Keio and Inokashira Lines

参考

井草八幡宮

関連投稿(Related Posts):

Omiya Hachiman Shrine [Tokyo] Tomioka Hachiman Shrine (Fukagawa Hachiman) [Tokyo] Fukagawa Fudo Hall (Narita-san Tokyo Betsuin) [Tokyo] Sakura Shrine [Tokyo]