Mizuinari Shrine and Kansen-en Park [Tokyo]

【Mizuinari Shrine Summary】

Mizuinari Shrine was founded in 941 (the 4th year of the Tenkei era). Fujiwara no Hidesato enshrined the Inari deity here, establishing it as “Tomizuka Inari.” Later, in 1702 (Genroku 15), sacred water began to spring forth. It gained fame for curing eye diseases, and after an oracle declared it would ward off fire disasters, the shrine was renamed “Mizuinari Shrine.” Its original site was north of Hosenji Temple in present-day Nishi-Waseda 1-chome. In 1963 (Showa 38), following a land exchange with Waseda University, it was relocated to its current location (the former lower residence of the Shimizu Tokugawa family, now Kansen-en Park).

【Mizuinari Shrine worshipper’s path】

I visited during the peak autumn foliage season, so the ginkgo tree-lined avenue was beautiful.

The worshipper’s path runs straight ahead, yet its arrangement with the main hall forms a curious layout. With an elementary school nearby and Waseda University’s ownership of the land, perhaps this is how it came to be… Turning off the approach path and passing through a slightly dim torii gate brings you to the worship hall.

【Mizuinari Shrine worship hall】

The worship hall features Karahafu’s distinctive shape, which is quite intriguing. The bracket decorations and the shape of the demon roof tiles also have a unique form.

【Mizuinari Shrine subordinate shrine】

Behind the main shrine building is a subordinate shrine, but it gives the impression of being somewhat neglected.

【Kansen-en Park】

Kansen-en Park is a strolling garden featuring high-quality water that springs forth, giving rise to the name “Kansen.” It stands on the site of the former secondary residence of the Shimizu family, one of the Tokugawa shogunate’s three branches.

It is currently believed that the water source was cut off when the subway Tozai Line was constructed, so while water is present, it does not appear to be spring water. As a garden, it is small, and the autumn foliage scenery was somewhat less than expected…

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

Higo Hosokawa Garden, Ana Hachimangu Shrine, Tokyo St. Mary’s Cathedral, Gokoku-ji Temple

Higo Hosokawa Garden [Tokyo]

Ana Hachimangu Shrine [Tokyo]

Tokyo St. Mary’s Cathedral [Tokyo]

Gokoku-ji Temple [Tokyo]

【Mizuinari Shrine Access】

Manager’s Comments

Mizuinari Shrine is said to be one of the urban legends, part of the “Big Dipper Barrier” protecting Edo’s streets from Taira no Masakado. However, since it was relocated, I personally think it might be Inari-Oniō Shrine instead. It’s relatively large for a shrine in Tokyo, but there doesn’t seem to be a resident priest, and the shrine office appears closed. A notice stated, “We are not issuing goshuin stamps.” Combined with the adjacent Kansen-en Park, it could potentially attract more visitors… I hope they keep trying.

Site/Facility Size

 (3.5)

Richness of Nature

 (3.5)

Ease of access

 (4.5)

Number of tourists

 (1.5)

Address of the Mizuinari Shrine

3-5-43 Nishi-Waseda, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0051

※There is no parking available.

About a 3-minute walk from the “Omokagebashi” stop on the Toden Arakawa Line

About a 10-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Tozai Line “Waseda” Station

参考

早稲田水稲荷神社｜公式サイト

早稲田水稲荷神社

関連投稿(Related Posts):

Oji Inari Shrine and Meishu no Taki Park [Tokyo] Oji Shrine and Otonashi Shinsui Park [Tokyo] Hiratsuka Shrine [Tokyo] Higo Hosokawa Garden [Tokyo]