Dairokuten Sakaki Shrine [Tokyo]

【Dairokuten Sakaki Shrine Summary】

Dairokuten Sakaki Shrine was founded 110 years ago (in the 40th year of Emperor Keiko’s reign). According to legend, Emperor Jimmu, acting on imperial orders, enshrined two ancestral gods of the imperial family at this site during his campaign to pacify the eastern provinces. He also enshrined a white bronze mirror, which he had been carrying, and established the shrine as a place of worship to protect the nation. It has been traditionally known as the Sixth Heavenly Shrine. The original site was in the current location of Yanagibashi 1-chome, but after the Great Kanto Earthquake, it was relocated to its current site in Kuramae 1-chome in 1928 as part of urban redevelopment. Although it has been called “Rokuten Tenjin Shrine” since ancient times, the shrine’s name was changed to “Sakaki Shrine” in 1873 (Meiji 6). It is the head shrine of the Rokuten Tenjin Shrines distributed throughout the southern Kanto region and is also one of the shrines on the Shitamachi Eight Lucky Gods Shrine Pilgrimage Course (pilgrimage sites).

The deities enshrined here are Omodaru no Mikoto and Ayakashikone no Mikoto.

【Dairokuten?】

Dairokuten (Sixth Heaven) refers to the sixth deity of the Seven Generations of Heavenly Gods in the Kojiki, specifically Menotsuku no Mikoto and Kagutsuchi no Mikoto. Currently, after undergoing syncretism and separation of Shinto and Buddhism, it remains associated with the Seven Generations of the Divine Age and Tengu beliefs. In this shrine, it is believed to have no connection to the Buddhist Sixth Heaven Demon King (Dairokuten Demon King).

【Tour of the Eight Gods of Good Fortune in Shitamachi?】

The Shitamachi Eight Gods of Good Fortune Tour is a pilgrimage that visits eight shrines in Taito Ward and Chuo Ward, Tokyo, with the aim of receiving blessings from each of the gods. Specifically, it refers to the following eight shrines: Washio Shrine, Imado Shrine, Rokuten Sakaki Shrine, Shitaya Shrine, Ono Terusaki Shrine, Suitengu Shrine, Kounami Shrine, and Sumiyoshi Shrine.

【Dairokuten Sakaki Shrine precincts】

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Image: Photo AC

It was quiet because it was off the main street. There are several large ginkgo trees on the grounds.


【Dairokuten Sakaki Shrine shrine】

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Image: Photo AC

The main hall was built in 1933 using reinforced concrete, but was destroyed in the 1945 Tokyo air raids, with only the exterior remaining. It underwent major renovations in 1956.

【Dairokuten Sakaki Shrine sub-shrine】

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Image: Photo AC

Within the grounds of the shrine are the Shichifuku Inari Shrine, the Kotohira Shrine, the Toyouke Shrine, and the Hanjo Inari Shrine.

【Dairokuten Sakaki Shrine hand pump well】

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Image: Photo AC

There was a well with a hand pump that was still in use. It seems that the water is not drinkable, but it is a piece of history.

【Dairokuten Sakaki Shrine GOSHUIN】

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Regarding GOSHUIN, I pressed the intercom at the office and they responded. Thank you very much despite your poor leg condition.

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Image: Photo AC

Looking back during the wait, it was a picturesque scene.

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

Torikoe Shrine, Kuramae Shrine

【Dairokuten Sakaki Shrine Access】

Manager’s Comments

Historically, I think this is one of the top ancient shrines in Tokyo. Currently located in the bustling urban area of Asakusa-bashi, the grounds are not very spacious, but the shrine grounds are beautifully maintained. Unfortunately, it is not very well known due to its proximity to Asakusa, but it has a large torii gate and a definite presence. It feels like it has been carefully preserved to this day. In terms of scenery, it seems like a good place to visit during the autumn foliage season.

Site/Facility Size
 (3)
Richness of Nature
 (3.5)
Ease of access
 (4)
Number of tourists
 (2)


Dairokuten Sakaki Shrine

1-4-3 Kuramae, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0051

※There is no parking lot.

6-minute walk from Kuramae Station on the Toei Asakusa Line and Oedo Line

8-minute walk from Asakusabashi Station on the JR and Toei Asakusa Line

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