Kuramae Shrine [Tokyo]

【Kuramae Shrine Summary】

Kuramae Shrine was founded in 1693 (Genroku 6). It is said to have originated when Tokugawa Tsunayoshi invited Ishimizu Hachimangu Shrine to be enshrined here. The shrine was formerly named after its original shrine, “Ishimizu Hachimangu,” but was renamed “Kuramae Shrine” in 1951 (Showa 26).

Kuramae is a place name that originates from the Edo period when the shogunate’s rice storehouse (Gomizura) was located there. It is located along the Sumida River and was used to store rice taxes and purchased rice. It also has deep ties to sumo wrestling and is the birthplace of the sumo wrestling fund-raising register. During the Edo period, fund-raising sumo wrestling was held within the shrine grounds, making it a sacred place for sumo wrestling. It was revered as one of the guardian deities of Edo Castle’s demon gate and as a prayer site for the shogunate. According to some theories, it was an important point in the Kanto Edo barrier established by the Tokugawa clan and Tenkei, serving as the “North Star of Edo.”

The deity enshrined here is Hondawake no Mikoto, also known as Emperor Ojin.

【Kuramae Shrine main shrine】

This shrine stands quietly in a residential area. Although it is not a large shrine, it is very elegant.

The main shrine is built in the Shinmei-zukuri style. It has been destroyed several times by the Great Kanto Earthquake and war damage, but has been rebuilt each time.

【Kuramae Shrine old dog】

This shrine is associated with the rakugo story “Old Dog,” and there is a statue of an old dog near the torii gate.

The story is about a white dog who wishes to be reborn as a human, makes a hundred visits to a shrine, and is finally reborn as a human. However, even after becoming human, the dog’s habits remain, and the story humorously depicts the various disturbances that ensue.

【Kuramae Shrine precincts Fukutoku Inari Shrine】

Inari Shrine located behind the worship hall. There was a magnificent torii gate at another entrance.

The deity enshrined here is Ukanomitama no Mikoto.

【Kuramae Shrine Kuramae Cherry Blossoms and Mimosa】

This shrine is known for its large mimosa tree and Kuramae cherry tree, which bloom beautifully in the grounds from around late February. At first glance, the cherry tree looks like a Kawazu cherry tree, but its exact species is unknown, and it is called the “Kuramae cherry tree.”

【Kuramae Shrine GOSHUIN】

The office is closed, but if you ring the bell, the priest will come out and give you a red stamp.

【Kuramae Shrine Ponta, the shrine cat】

There was a cat watching the worshippers from the window. According to the priest, it was originally a stray cat that he took in. Seeing cats basking in the sun at the shrine makes me feel the peace of Japan.

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

Sensoji Temple, Torigoe Shrine, Sohonmiya Rokuten Sakaki Shrine

Senso-ji Temple [Tokyo]

Torikoe Shrine [Tokyo]

【Kuramae Shrine Access】

Manager’s Comments

After doing some research on its history, I found that this shrine is small but has many interesting features. It seems to get crowded when both flowers are in bloom, so if you want to visit in peace, be careful about the timing. Personally, I would like to visit again to see Ponta-kun.

Site/Facility Size

 (2.5)

Richness of Nature

 (3)

Ease of access

 (5)

Number of tourists

 (2)

Kuramae Shrine

3-14-11 Kuramae, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0051 Kuramae Shrine

※There is no parking lot.

1 minute walk from Exit A4 of Kuramae Station on the Toei Asakusa Line

1 minute walk from Exit A6 of Kuramae Station on the Toei Oedo Line

参考

藏前神社

藏前神社

関連投稿(Related Posts):

Torikoe Shrine [Tokyo] Yoroi Shrine [Tokyo] Hatomori Hachiman Shrine [Tokyo] Zoshigaya Kishimojin Hall (Houmyouji Temple) [Tokyo]