Gojoten Shrine & Hanazono Inari Shrine [Tokyo]

【Gojoten Shrine Overview】

According to shrine lore, Gojoten Shrine was founded around the year 110 AD (during the reign of Emperor Keiko). This means it has existed on this land since a primordial era corresponding to the Yayoi period, long before Japan’s era name (Gengo) system was ever established. When Yamato Takeru no Mikoto was on his eastern expedition to pacify the eastern provinces, he happened to pass through Shinobugaoka (the ancient name for Ueno). Along his journey, he received miraculous protection and divine signs (Kitan) from two deities, Onamuchi no Mikoto and Sukunabikona no Mikoto (the deities of medicine), which saved him from a dire predicament. Deeply grateful for this divine favor, Yamato Takeru carefully enshrined these two great deities on Tenjinyama hill within the grounds of Ueno (near the present-day Suribachiyama Burial Mound), which marks the beginning of this shrine.

Later, in 1641 (Kan’ei 18) during the Edo period, Lord Sugawara no Michizane was jointly enshrined here due to connections such as the word “Tenjin” being included in the shrine’s name, leading the shrine to be widely worshipped for the deity of scholarship as well. Although it was a highly renowned shrine featured even in literature from the Muromachi period, its grounds overlapped with those of Kaneiji Temple when the Tokugawa family constructed and expanded the temple during the Edo period. As a result, the shrine was forced to relocate multiple times within Ueno. After undergoing state railway construction during the Taisho period and surviving the Great Kanto Earthquake, the shrine finally relocated and settled into its current location in 1928 (Showa 3). Its original location is believed to be around the present-day Kiyomizu Kannon-do Temple.

The primary enshrined deities are Onamuchi no Mikoto, the deity of nation-building and medicine (also known as Okuninushi no Mikoto / Daikoku-sama), and Sukunabikona no Mikoto, the deity of medicine and sake brewing. Along with these two great deities, who are said to have taught people how to heal illnesses alongside Onamuchi no Mikoto, Lord Sugawara no Michizane is worshipped here as an aidono-shin (jointly enshrined deity).

【Gojoten Shrine Torii Gate】

The grand torii gate located on the front approach (Omote-sando) on the south side of the grounds features a straight and highly prestigious “Shinmei Torii” style, which is the same style used at the Ise Grand Shrine. On the lanterns beside the torii gate, a highly unusual “Awaho” (ears of millet) crest is depicted, which is a divine crest (Shinmon) associated with the deities of medicine.

【Gojoten Shrine Main Building】

The current main building is a wooden structure of modern Japanese architecture built in 1928 (Showa 3). Having overcome a history of repeated disasters and forced relocations due to urban planning, it preserves and conveys the valuable pre-war wooden architectural style to this day exactly as it was.

【Hanazono Inari Shrine Overview】

While the exact founding year of Hanazono Inari Shrine remains unknown, historical lore and the background of the era suggest it was established prior to the mid-1400s (the mid-Muromachi period). Since ancient times, it has been affectionately known by locals as “Shinobugaoka Inari” or the “Inari of the Cave.”

Although the shrine fell into ruin and was left virtually abandoned due to medieval conflicts (such as the Kyotoku War and the Musashi Hei Ikki rebellion), it was rebuilt in 1654 (Joo 3) by the high priest Kokai. Kokai, a top disciple of the Grand Buddhist Prelate Tenkai (who founded Kaneiji Temple), received a prophetic dream (Reimu) that inspired him to reconstruct the shrine and establish it as the guardian deity of the Ueno hills. When the shrine buildings were renovated in 1873 (Meiji 6), it was renamed to its current name, “Hanazono Inari Shrine,” because the surrounding area used to be the Ohanabatake (flower field) of Kaneiji Temple. In 1928 (Showa 3), it was moved to its current position to align with the relocation of the adjacent Gojoten Shrine to this site.

The primary enshrined deity is Uganomitama no Mikoto.

【Hanazono Inari Shrine Approach】

The greatest highlight on the way to the shrine building is the tunnel formed by multiple overlapping vermilion torii gates. Stepping into this area from the bustling energy of Ueno Park instantly transforms the atmosphere into a sacred, tranquil air, making it a highly popular power spot.

【Hanazono Inari Shrine Main Building】

Following the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 (大正12年), the shrine building was newly constructed in 1928 (Showa 3) to coincide with its relocation to its current spot inside Ueno Park. Because it escaped damage during the air raids of World War II, the valuable pre-war wooden shrine building remains completely intact today.

【Hanazono Inari Shrine Sub-Shrine: O-ana-sama and Yazaemon the Fox】

When Kaneiji Temple was being built, Yazaemon the Fox—the boss of the foxes who were about to be driven from their habitat—pleaded with the Grand Buddhist Prelate Tenkai, saying, “Please grant us a place to live.” Taking pity on them, Grand Prelate Tenkai dug a large horizontal cave (Ittou) for the foxes to use as their dwelling, which marks the beginning of “O-ana-sama.” Yazaemon the Fox is enshrined in a tiny shrine (Hokora) that appears when you venture further into the cave (at the dead end after turning left from the front entrance).

【Nearby Tourist Spots (Within a 30-Minute Walk)】

Ueno Toshogu Shrine, Kaneiji Temple, Shinobazu Pond Bentendo, Tokyo National Museum, Tennoji Temple

Shinobaz Pond Benten Temple [Tokyo]

Ueno Toshogu Shrine【Tokyo】

Tokyo National Museum (Japanese Garden) [Tokyo]

Tennoji Temple [Tokyo]

【Gojoten Shrine & Hanazono Inari Shrine Access】

Admin’s Impressions

Gojoten Shrine has been known since ancient times for its divine blessings in “recovering from illness” and “good health and longevity,” drawing numerous worshippers to its monthly Medicine Festival (Iyakusai) held on the 10th and other traditional rituals. In stark contrast to the vivid glamor of the neighboring Hanazono Inari Shrine, Gojoten Shrine feels somewhat rugged, yet possesses a warmth that makes you feel as though it has watched over people with an overwhelming sense of open-armed benevolence.

At Hanazono Inari Shrine, a row of bright vermilion torii gates stretches out, creating a fantastical sight that makes it hard to believe you are in the middle of a massive city. Passing through these beautiful Senbon Torii gates and standing before the dimly lit rock cave in the back, you can still feel an overwhelming, solemn presence that makes your skin tingle. This sensation lingers perhaps because it is more than just a mere power spot—the raw determination and unyielding spirit of the men who fought through turbulent eras still breathe within this sacred land today.

Scale

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Accessibility

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History / Origins

 (4.5)

Nature / Scenery

 (2.5)

Quietness

 (2)

Goshuin Variety

 (3)

Gojoten Shrine & Hanazono Inari Shrine Address

4-17 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0007

*No parking available.

Approximately a 10-minute walk from the Park Gate (Koen-guchi) of JR Ueno Station.

Hanazono Inari Shrine Feature Page

参考

五條天神社

gojoutenjinsha ページ！