Karasumori Shrine [Tokyo]

【Karasumori Shrine Summary】

Karasumori Shrine was founded in 940 (the 3rd year of the Tenkei era). It is said that Fujiwara no Hidesato established it after receiving a divine revelation from a white fox in a dream while suppressing the rebellion of Taira no Masakado. Hidesato is said to have been told in his dream by the white fox that a place where sacred birds gathered was a sacred site. Upon seeing crows gathering at the present location, he founded the shrine, marking its beginning.

During the Edo period, this area was a sandy beach, with the surrounding land covered in pine forests. Crows gathered in large numbers to nest in these pine trees, leading the area to later be called “Crow Forest” (Karasumori). This is believed to be the origin of the name Karasumori. During the Great Fire of Edo in 1657, the city center was reduced to ashes, yet Karasumori Inari Shrine miraculously escaped the flames. In 1873 (Meiji 6), the shrine’s name was officially changed from Karasumori Inari Shrine to Karasumori Shrine.

The enshrined deities are Uga-no-mitama-no-mikoto, Ame-no-uzume-no-mikoto, and Ninigi-no-mikoto.

【approach to the Karasumori Shrine】

The path from Karasumori Street serves as the approach. The torii gate is concrete and angular.

【Karasumori Shrine grounds】

The torii gates and shrine buildings are made of concrete and are modern in style.

I thought there was no water ablution pavilion, but after passing through the torii gate, I found it on the right. Considering it’s right in the heart of downtown Shinbashi, this much space is probably all they could manage.

The temple grounds aren’t particularly large, and the main worship hall feels like it’s on the second floor after climbing some stairs. I think it’s designed to make good use of the space.

【Karasumori Shrine Omikuji (fortune slip) of your desired color】

There are four colors of fortune slips, each representing a different aspect of life. The set includes a fortune slip, a wish card, and a wish bead. Red (Love and Good Relationships) Yellow (Financial Luck, Good Fortune, Business) Blue (Warding Off Misfortune, Work and Studies) Green (Health and Family)

A dedicated writing area is provided. After writing your wish with a pen of the same color, attach it to the string. Later, a priest will perform a prayer for the fulfillment of your wish.

【Karasumori Shrine GOSHUIN】

The crows here had two legs, unlike the three-legged Yatagarasu often depicted at Kumano Shrine.

【Karasumori Shrine Cancer Prevention】

Today, it is known as a shrine in Tokyo renowned for its power to ward off cancer. Having survived the great fire that destroyed most of Edo, it has long been said to possess strong “sealing power.” Consequently, it seems to have been revered as a place to ward off cancer.

The Cancer Prevention Amulet comes in two types: the standard version, and the Special Prayer Cancer Prevention Amulet (boxed), which is submitted with the owner’s name and address. This special amulet is then stored in the main shrine for one year, where prayers are offered for it daily.

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

Hamarikyu Gardens, Atago Shrine, Kotohira-gu Shrine at Toranomon, Shiba Daijingu Shrine, Asahi Inari Shrine, Imperial Palace Outer Gardens

浜離宮恩賜庭園【東京都】

Atago Jinja Shrine [Tokyo]

Shiba Daijingu [Tokyo]

Asahi-Inari Shrine [Tokyo]

The Imperial Palace (Outer Gardens of the Imperial Palace, Ruins of Edo Castle, East Gardens) [Tokyo]

【Karasumori Shrine Access】

Manager’s Comments

Located right behind Shimbashi Station and SL Square, but perhaps it’s the fate of urban shrines… It’s surrounded by tall buildings and tucked away in a spot you won’t notice unless you get close. The grounds are quite compact, and the main hall sits in a narrow alleyway, yet worshippers stream in continuously, showing it’s a place of deep devotion. I recommend visiting early in the morning.

Site/Facility Size

 (2.5)

Richness of Nature

 (0.5)

Ease of access

 (5)

Number of tourists

 (4.5)

Karasumori Shrine

〒105-0004 2-15-5 Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo

※There is no parking available.

2-minute walk from JR Shimbashi Station’s West Exit or Hibiya Exit / Approximately 3-minute walk from Karasumori Exit

参考

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関連投稿(Related Posts):

Dairokuten Sakaki Shrine [Tokyo] Anamori Inari Shrine [Tokyo] Torikoe Shrine [Tokyo] Fukutoku Shrine (Meibuki Inari) [Tokyo]