Sakura Shrine [Tokyo]

【Sakura Shrine Summary】

Sakura Shrine was founded in 1883. It originated when Yoshimura Masahide, who served as the chief priest (Negishi) of Ise Grand Shrine, felt a sense of crisis following the 1882 (Meiji 15) “Edict Separating Clerical and Teaching Duties.” Seeking to perform sacred rites while also effectively spreading the teachings to the people, he obtained an imperial decree from Emperor Meiji and established one of the thirteen branches of sectarian Shinto.

The enshrined deities include the principal deity Amenominakanushi-no-Kami, along with Izanagi-no-Mikoto, Izanami-no-Mikoto, Amaterasu-Ōmikami, and a total of 19 deities.

The blessings include matchmaking, warding off misfortune (protection from all directions), and recovery from illness.

【Sakura Shrine worshipper’s path】

The torii gate is a splendid Shinmei-style torii. The distance from the torii to the main shrine building is short, making it a compact shrine.

The stamp office opens at 9:00 AM, but a line had already formed outside the torii gate 30 minutes prior. About 80% of the worshippers were women seeking matchmaking blessings. I’ve never seen such a long line just to get a stamp, even at popular shrines. (Worshipping itself is possible regardless of the line.)

Tokyo Daijingu Shrine [Tokyo]

Tokyo Daijingu Shrine, famous for matchmaking in Tokyo, was also a shrine with many female visitors.

【Sakura Shrine worship hall】

The worship hall was originally established in 1883 (Meiji 16) in Kanda, Tokyo City. In 1919 (Taisho 8), following an oracle commanding “Immediately relocate to the west,” it moved to its current location in Setagaya. Having thus escaped damage during both the Great Kanto Earthquake and World War II, it is revered as a shrine offering protection from calamities.

At this shrine, following ancient Shinto rites, we offer deep prayers to the deities with the extended “two bows, four claps, one bow” ritual. (Even if you perform the standard two bows, two claps, one bow, it is perfectly acceptable. What matters most is showing respect to the deities and praying with sincerity and reverence.)

【Sakura Shrine Matchmaking Tree】

As it enshrines the deities Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto, the first divine couple, it is also famous as a shrine for matchmaking.

In front of the shrine stands a Kawazu cherry tree known as the “Matchmaking Tree,” which blooms with deep pink flowers in early March. Visitors tie pink ribbons to this tree, imbuing them with their wishes.

【Sakura Shrine GOSHUIN】

【Takenoh and Ohagi Setagaya Main Store】

About a 5-minute walk from Sakura Shrine. Nestled quietly in the residential neighborhood of Sakura-Shinmachi, “Takenotohagi Setagaya Main Store” is a perpetually popular shop that defies the conventional notion of “ohagi,” drawing constant lines of customers.

Based on the flavors of the owner’s grandmother, “Takenoshan,” these treats feature artistic visuals adorned with rose petals and seasonal patterns, combined with innovative flavors using nuts and dried fruits. They’ve become a hot topic and sell out daily. We made a reservation to pick them up as a “souvenir” after admiring the beautiful Kawazu cherry blossoms at Sakura Shrine.

What I bought that day was the daily special seven-variety ohagi set.

Each ohagi was small and easy to eat, with a rich flavor that paired perfectly with tea. Since no preservatives are used, the best-by date is “same day only.”

【Sakura Shrine Nearby attractions】

Setagaya Hachimangu Shrine, Gotokuji Temple, Shoin Shrine, Taishido Hachiman Shrine

Gotokuji Temple [Tokyo]

【Sakura Shrine Access】

関連投稿(Related Posts):

【For Beginners】What’s the Difference Between a “Shrine” and a “Temple”? Kuramae Shrine [Tokyo] Tokyo Daijingu Shrine [Tokyo] Nezu Shrine and Otome Inari Shrine [Tokyo]