Ichigaya Kameoka Hachiman Shrine [Tokyo]

【Overview of Ichigaya Kameoka Hachiman Shrine】

Ichigaya Kameoka Hachiman Shrine was founded in 1479 (Bunmei 11). Its history began when Ota Dokan, during the construction of Edo Castle, enshrined a bunrei (divided spirit) from Tsurugaoka Hachimangu in Kamakura to serve as a guardian of the west. In doing so, he named it “Kameoka” (Turtle Hill) as a pair to “Tsurugaoka” (Crane Hill). Originally located within the Ichigaya-gomon Gate (now Chiyoda Ward), it moved to its current location around 1636 when the outer moat of Edo Castle was constructed. During its peak in the Edo period, the grounds were quite lively, lined with teahouses and theaters.

The enshrined deities are Homutawake no Mikoto (Emperor Ojin), Okinagatarashihime no Mikoto, and Yotohime no Kami.

【Who was Ota Dokan？】

Ota Dokan was a military commander of the Ogigayatsu-Uesugi family active during the late Muromachi period. He is famous for building Edo Castle in 1457 and is remembered as a legendary general of the early Sengoku period, remaining undefeated in over 30 battles.

皇居(皇居外苑・江戸城跡・東御苑）【東京都】

【Ichigaya Kameoka Hachiman Shrine: The Approach (Sando)】

The shrine is located just east of where the Army Department of the Imperial General Headquarters (the supreme command of the former Japanese military) once stood. Currently, there is a small children’s park at the base, and you climb the path beside it.

【Ichigaya Kameoka Hachiman Shrine: Bronze Torii Gate】

A magnificent bronze torii gate stands midway up the stairs leading to the main hall.

Erected in 1804 (Bunka 1), it is currently designated as a Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) by Shinjuku Ward.

【Ichigaya Kameoka Hachiman Shrine: Main Hall (Shaden)】

The main hall appears at the top of the stairs. The precinct is relatively spacious and open.

The original buildings were destroyed by air raids, and the current hall was rebuilt in 1962 (Showa 37).

【Ichigaya Kameoka Hachiman Shrine: Chanoki Inari Shrine (Subsidiary Shrine)】

Located partway up the stairs before reaching the main shrine, this Inari shrine has a dignified hall despite its compact grounds.

Legend has it that Chanoki Inari was first established by the monk Kobo Daishi (Kukai) during the early Heian period when he traveled to the Kanto region. It is considered the local guardian deity (Jishinigami) of Ichigaya, predating the arrival of Kameoka Hachiman Shrine.

It enshrines Inari Okami.

This shrine has a unique legend regarding the healing of eye diseases. It is said that in ancient times, a white fox—the messenger of Inari—lived on this hill and injured its eye on a tea branch. Since then, it became a custom for worshippers to avoid tea, and people refrained from drinking tea during the first three days of the New Year. It is believed that if those suffering from eye ailments abstain from tea for 7, 21, or 49 days while praying, they will receive a miraculous cure.

This is a form of Mono-dachi (vow of abstinence), similar to the “Konnyaku Enma” eye-healing legend in Bunkyo Ward.

Genkaku-ji Temple (Konnyaku Enma) [Tokyo]

【Ichigaya Kameoka Hachiman Shrine: Kotohira-gu (Subsidiary Shrine)】

Also located partway up the stairs above Chanoki Inari. While its founding date is unknown, it enshrines a divided spirit from the famous Kotohira-gu in Kagawa Prefecture.

The deities Omononushi no Kami, Emperor Sutoku, and Daikokuten are enshrined here.

【Ichigaya Kameoka Hachiman Shrine: Shusse Inari Shrine (Subsidiary Shrine)】

Another Inari shrine located in a corner of the grounds. Founded in 1719 (Kyoho 4), it was originally located on the main street of Ichigaya before being moved here.

It enshrines Ukanomitama no Mikoto.

【Ichigaya Kameoka Hachiman Shrine: Goshuin】

【Tourist Spots Near Ichigaya Kameoka Hachiman Shrine (Within a 30-minute walk)】

Ichigaya Letterpress Factory, Tsukudo Hachiman Shrine, Tokyo Daijingu, Yasukuni Shrine.

Ichigaya Letterpress Factory [Tokyo]

Tsukudo Hachiman Shrine [Tokyo]

Tokyo Daijingu Shrine [Tokyo]

Yasukuni-jinja Shrine [Tokyo]

I’ve put together a walking route below, so I hope you find it helpful for your visit.

【新宿〜市ヶ谷】眼病平癒の神社を結ぶ歴史散歩。諏訪神社から茶ノ木稲荷神社を巡る開運ルート

【Ichigaya Kameoka Hachiman Shrine: Access】

関連投稿(Related Posts):

Tsukudo Hachiman Shrine [Tokyo] Yoroi Shrine [Tokyo] Ana Hachimangu Shrine [Tokyo] Mizuinari Shrine and Kansen-en Park [Tokyo]