Setagaya Hachimangu Shrine [Tokyo]

【Overview of Setagaya Hachimangu Shrine】

Setagaya Hachimangu Shrine was founded in 1090. While returning from the battlefields of the Gosannen War, Minamoto no Yoshiie encountered heavy rain and had to stay in this area for over ten days waiting for the weather to clear. Believing his recent victory was entirely due to the divine protection of Hachiman Okami—whom he worshipped daily as his guardian deity—he was deeply grateful and enshrined a divided spirit (bunrei) of Usa Hachimangu (from Buzen Province) in this land. This is said to be the origin of the shrine.

The principal deities enshrined here are Emperor Ojin, Emperor Chuai, and Empress Jingu.

The main blessings granted here include prayers for certain victory, good fortune, and protection from water disasters. Because it was founded by Minamoto no Yoshiie to pray for victory in battle, it is particularly renowned for its strong blessings of “winning luck” (shoun).

【Who is Minamoto no Yoshiie？】

Minamoto no Yoshiie was a prominent military commander from the mid-to-late Heian period, also widely known by his nickname, “Hachimantaro.” He is an ancestor of famous historical figures such as Minamoto no Yoritomo (who established the Kamakura shogunate) and Ashikaga Takauji (who established the Muromachi shogunate).

Yoshiie had a deep connection with shrines dedicated to the Minamoto clan’s tutelary deity (Hachiman-gami), and he established and worshipped at many Hachiman shrines across the country.

Ana Hachimangu Shrine [Tokyo]

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Kabuto Shrine [Tokyo]

【Setagaya Hachimangu Shrine: First Torii Gate (Ichi-no-Torii)】

There is a large First Torii Gate directly facing you across the parking lot. The road in front has relatively heavy traffic, which makes me a bit worried about worshippers or children suddenly dashing out.

【Setagaya Hachimangu Shrine: Itsukushima Shrine】

Upon passing through the First Torii Gate, the first thing you’ll see on your right is the precinct shrine, Itsukushima Shrine. There is a small waterfall, and you can see turtles and carp swimming about, making it a refreshing spot to feel a cool breeze.

Although small, the waterfall has enough water volume that its sound gently envelops the shrine, making it surprisingly impactful.

【Setagaya Hachimangu Shrine: Sumo Ring (Dohyo)】

Passing through the Second Torii Gate, you will find a sumo ring (dohyo) on your right. In the past, the outcome of dedicated sumo matches (hono-zumo) held here was used to divine whether the following year would bring a rich or poor harvest, as well as to show gratitude for the current year’s bountiful crops. The dedicated sumo held at this shrine was considered one of the Three Great Sumo Events in the Edo suburbs.

【Setagaya Hachimangu Shrine: Main Hall (Shaden)】

The Main Hall has a brave and powerful presence. It is said that Kira Yoriyasu, the 7th generation lord of Setagaya Castle, rebuilt and expanded this shrine building in 1546.

【Setagaya Hachimangu Shrine: Lifting Stones (Chikara-ishi)】

Connected to its history as one of Edo’s three great dedicated sumo venues, there are several “Chikara-ishi” (lifting stones) lined up here, which were dedicated by men boasting of their immense physical strength in the past. Continuing further to the back, there are two sub-shrines.

【Setagaya Hachimangu Shrine: Setagaya Shokonsha】

This is a memorial shrine for military personnel and civilian army workers who lost their lives in conflicts ranging from the Russo-Japanese War to the Greater East Asia War (World War II). You can think of it as a miniature Yasukuni Shrine. I feel this is the most tranquil and solemn place within the shrine grounds.

【Setagaya Hachimangu Shrine: Kora Shrine】

Located at the very back is Kora Shrine.

While its principal deity is Kora Tamatare-no-mikoto, it is actually a consolidated shrine. In 1912 (the first year of the Taisho era), various smaller shrines scattered around this area—Tenso, Kora, Konpira, Rokusho, Kitano, Mitake, Hinomisaki, and Inari Shrines—were all merged and enshrined together here. It really makes you feel the passage of time…

【Setagaya Hachimangu Shrine Goshuin】

【Tourist Spots Near Setagaya Hachimangu Shrine】

Gotoku-ji Temple, Sakura Jingu Shrine, Shoin Shrine

Gotokuji Temple [Tokyo]

Sakura Shrine [Tokyo]

Shoin Shrine [Tokyo]

【Setagaya Hachimangu Shrine Access】

Admin’s Impressions

Despite being located in the middle of the city, this shrine has a very quiet and calm atmosphere. It was larger than I expected, rich in nature, and felt like a wonderful place where time passes peacefully. A nice bonus, which is quite rare for shrines in Tokyo, is that it has a large, dedicated parking lot for worshippers. It’s only about a 5-minute walk from Gotoku-ji Temple (famous for its beckoning cats), so I highly recommend visiting both together.

Scale

 (4)

Accessibility

 (5)

History / Origins

 (3.5)

Nature / Scenery

 (4)

Quietness

 (3.5)

Goshuin Variety

 (3)

Setagaya Hachimangu Shrine Address

1-26-3 Miyasaka, Setagaya City, Tokyo 156-0051

※Note: Free parking is available.

About a 1-minute walk from Miyanosaka Station on the Tokyu Setagaya Line.

About a 10-minute walk from Gotokuji Station on the Odakyu Line.

参考

Setagaya-Hachiman Shrine

関連投稿(Related Posts):

Sakura Shrine [Tokyo] Shoin Shrine [Tokyo] Kabuto Shrine [Tokyo] Igusa Hachimangu Shrine [Tokyo]