Kabuto Shrine [Tokyo]

【Kabuto Shrine Summary】

Kabuto Shrine was founded in 1878 (Meiji 11). In 1871 (Meiji 4), following the relocation of the Tokyo Trading Company (the predecessor to Mitsui & Co.), the Kyoro Inari Shrine and Kabutozuka were relocated to a site midway between Kyoro-no-Watashi and Kabuto Bridge. At this time, the divine spirit of Minamoto no Yoshiie, previously enshrined at Kabutozuka, was enshrined as “Kabuto Shrine.” It was then merged with Kabuto Inari and newly designated as the guardian shrine of Kabutocho, Kabuto Shrine. In 1874 (Meiji 7), the worship of the enshrined deity, Minamoto no Yoshiie, was discontinued.

The shrine newly enshrined and combined the divine spirits of Ōkuninushi-no-Mikoto and Koto-shiro-nushi-no-Mikoto, transferred from the Fukujin Shrine, a subsidiary shrine within the grounds of the Mimeguri Inari Shrine (located in Mukōjima, Sumida Ward) which the Mitsui family (landowners of Kabutochō 1-chōme) had long revered. Subsequently, in 1878 (Meiji 11), individuals associated with the Tokyo Stock Exchange (present-day Tokyo Stock Exchange) became the parishioners’ representatives, and since then, the shrine has attracted devotion from the securities industry.

The enshrined deities are Ukanomitama-no-Mikoto, Ōkuninushi-no-Mikoto, and Kotoshironushi-no-Mikoto—well-known as the deities of commerce at Inari shrines.

【Kabuto Shrine worship hall】

In 1969 (Showa 44), it was demolished due to expressway construction, but at that time, it was rebuilt as the current reinforced concrete shrine building.

【Kabuto Shrine Helmet-shaped rock】

Within the temple grounds lies a rock known as the “Helmet-shaped rock,” which gave rise to the name “Nihonbashi Kabutocho.” There are various theories as to why it is called the Helmet-shaped rock.

In 940 (the 3rd year of the Tenkei era), Fujiwara no Hidesato, who defeated Taira no Masakado in the Jōhei-Tenkei Rebellion, buried Masakado’s helmet in the ground at this rocky site as an act of memorial.
In 1051 (the 6th year of the Eishō era), Minamoto no Yoshiie, departing for the First Kamakura War, hung his helmet on this rock to pray for victory.
In 1087 (Kanji 1), Minamoto no Yoshiie, returning victorious from the Gosannen War, buried his own helmet in the ground at this rocky spot as a commemorative offering.

【Kabuto Shrine Relationship with Taira no Masakado】

Although its predecessor was an Inari shrine said to enshrine Taira no Masakado, located at Yoroi-no-Watashi (near Kabuto Bridge), no clear records have been found. ※Kabuto Bridge has since been removed. This shrine is considered one of the shrines dedicated to the Seven Stars of the Big Dipper associated with Lord Taira no Masakado.

【The Seven Shrines of the Big Dipper? (Legend of Masakado and the Big Dipper)？】

The “Seven Shrines of the Big Dipper” refers to seven shrines said to be arranged in the shape of the Big Dipper constellation, and there is an urban legend that “Masakado’s barrier” was erected there. The Seven Shrines of the Big Dipper in Edo are said to be: Kyoro Shrine, Mizuinari Shrine, Tsukudo Hachiman Shrine, Kanda Myojin, Masakado’s Head Mound, Kabuto Shrine, and Torigoe Shrine. *Note: Tsukudo Hachiman Shrine and Tsukudo Shrine are separate shrines.

Tsukudo Shrine and Taira no Masakado’s Grave [Tokyo]

Kanda Shrine (Kanda Myojin) [Tokyo]

Torikoe Shrine [Tokyo]

Mizuinari Shrine and Kansen-en Park [Tokyo]

Yoroi Shrine [Tokyo]

【Kabuto Shrine GOSHUIN】

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

Tokyo Stock Exchange, Hie Shrine in Nihonbashi, Koami Shrine, Nihonbashi Bridge, Fukutoku Shrine (Mefuki Inari), Tokyo Station

Tokyo Stock Exchange [Tokyo]

Hie-jinja Shrine Nihonbashi Sessha [Tokyo]

Nihonbashi Bridge [Tokyo]

Fukutoku Shrine (Meibuki Inari) [Tokyo]

【Kabuto Shrine Access】

Manager’s Comments

Quietly nestled beneath the elevated highway at the Edo Bridge Junction of the Metropolitan Expressway, north of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Looking at its history, it has undergone numerous relocations and mergers, and even changes to its enshrined deities. I’m sorry to those expecting legends about Taira no Masakado, but I felt there was no trace of them left… Furthermore, despite attracting devotion from the securities world, it is surprisingly small. Its location is also unfortunate: the shrine is directly beneath a highway, and its grounds border a smoking area. Honestly, I think it would be better placed next to the “Listing Bell” inside the JPX Building. After all, kabuto (helmet) and kabuto (stock) are pronounced the same.

Site/Facility Size

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Richness of Nature

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Ease of access

 (3.5)

Number of tourists

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Address of the Kabuto Shrine

〒103-0026 1-8 Kabutocho, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

※There is no parking lot.

About a 3-minute walk from Kayabacho Station (Exit 10) on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line and Hibiya Line.

About a 3-minute walk from Nihonbashi Station (Exit D2) on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line and Toei Asakusa Line.

参考

History | Japan Exchange Group

Japan Exchange Group

関連投稿(Related Posts):

Tokyo Stock Exchange [Tokyo] Hie-jinja Shrine Nihonbashi Sessha [Tokyo] Torikoe Shrine [Tokyo] Yoroi Shrine [Tokyo]