Konno Hachimangu Shrine and Toyosaka Inari Shrine [Tokyo]

【Konno Hachimangu Shrine Summary】

Konno Hachimangu Shrine was founded in 1092 (Kanji 6). According to the shrine’s tradition, it was founded by Taira no Taketsuna. Taira no Taketsuna (also known as Kawasaki Motoie) was a late Heian period military commander and powerful clan leader who fought alongside Minamoto no Yoriyoshi and his son Minamoto no Yoshiie. His son, Shigeie, received the surname Shibuya from Emperor Horikawa and built Shibuya Castle (the current site of Konno Hachimangu Shrine), becoming the progenitor of the Shibuya clan. Originally known as Shibuya Hachiman, the “Konno” in the shrine’s name is said to derive from Shigeie’s eldest son, Tsunemitsu, who prayed at this shrine and was born as the incarnation of Kongō Yasha Myōō, earning him the name Konno Maru.

The enshrined deity is Emperor Ojin.

【Konno Hachimangu Shrine History】

Shibuya Castle was built by the Shibuya clan of the Chichibu Taira clan, who held the Tanemori estate as their domain in the late Heian period. This area was once rich in water sources, with multiple springs within the castle grounds, and it is said that moats were also constructed utilizing these water sources. During the Muromachi period, in 1524 (Daiei 4), the Battle of Takanowara took place between Hojo Ujitsuna and Uesugi Chōkō. The castle was destroyed by fire set by the Hojo forces.

【Konno Hachimangu Shrine ShrineGate】

Ascending the stairs and passing through the torii gate, a gate with red latticework comes into view.

It is said to have been constructed by Lady Kasuga, wet nurse to the third shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu, and her steward Aoyama Tadatoshi, in the same manner as the shrine buildings. It is currently designated as a Shibuya Ward Tangible Cultural Property.

As I passed through the gate, members of the kendo club were holding their morning practice? Even though it’s in Shibuya, Tokyo, the temple grounds are surprisingly spacious.

【Konno Hachimangu Shrine worship hall】

During the Edo period, it gained the patronage of the Tokugawa shogunate, and the main hall and worship hall were constructed in 1612 (Keichō 17).

The carvings on the shrine buildings are magnificent, featuring sculptures of baku and tigers that are well worth seeing.

It is currently designated as a Shibuya Ward Tangible Cultural Property.

【Konno Hachimangu Shrine Toyosaka Inari Shrine】

Toyosaka Inari Shrine was established in 1961 (Showa 36) through the merger of Tanaka Inari Shrine, located near Shibuya Station, and Toyosawa Inari Shrine, located on Dogenzaka. It is situated next to Konno Hachimangu Shrine and is managed by Konno Hachimangu Shrine.

The enshrined deity is Ugahitokotamahime-no-Mikoto.

Standing at the entrance, the first sight to catch your eye is the vivid vermilion torii gates stretching out in a row. Though not as numerous as the famous Senbon Torii, this tunnel of gates has its own distinctive atmosphere. These torii were dedicated in 1990 (Heisei 2) to commemorate the Heisei Enthronement Ceremony.

Unlike Konno Hachimangu Shrine, this one was quiet with hardly any visitors.

【Konno Hachimangu Shrine GOSHUIN】

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

Shibuya Hachiko Statue & Scramble Crossing, SHIBUYA SKY, Shibuya Hikawa Shrine, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Togo Shrine

Shibuya (Hachiko, Scramble Crossing) [Tokyo]

Meiji Jingu Shrine [Tokyo]

Togo Shrine [Tokyo]

【Konno Hachimangu Shrine Access】

Manager’s Comments

Located in a shrine nestled within the city near Shibuya Station, it sits down an alleyway halfway up Miyamasuzaka. Surrounded by commercial buildings and apartment complexes, it’s the kind of place where you might wonder, “Is there really a shrine here?” Legend has it that Tokugawa Iemitsu prayed here for his ascension to shogun and succeeded. Consequently, it’s believed to grant blessings for business success, career advancement, and promotions. As a result, it seemed to attract a relatively large number of businesspeople visiting to pray.

Site/Facility Size

 (3.5)

Richness of Nature

 (3.5)

Ease of access

 (5)

Number of tourists

 (4)

Address of the Konno Hachimangu Shrine

3-5-12 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0002

※There is no parking available.

Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Exit C1 of Shibuya Station (JR, Tokyo Metro, Tokyu Toyoko Line, Den-en-toshi Line, Keio Inokashira Line)

参考

ご祈願・ご参拝｜【金王八幡宮】｜東京都渋谷区

関連投稿(Related Posts):

Kuramae Shrine [Tokyo] Azabu Hikawa Shrine [Tokyo] Mizuinari Shrine and Kansen-en Park [Tokyo] Hiratsuka Shrine [Tokyo]