Omiya Hachiman Shrine [Tokyo]

【Omiya Hachiman Shrine Summary】

Omiya Hachimangū Shrine was founded in 1063 (Kōhei 6) by Minamoto no Yoriyoshi. Seeing auspicious white clouds drifting in eight directions over this land, Yoriyoshi was overjoyed, interpreting their appearance as resembling the fluttering white banner of the Minamoto clan. He took this as a sign of the great deity Hachiman’s divine protection and became certain of his army’s victory. After achieving victory and quelling the rebellion, Yoriyoshi fulfilled his promise by constructing a shrine here. He invited a sacred spirit from Kyoto’s Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine, establishing Ōmiya Hachimangu. This marks the shrine’s founding.

According to the legend of the “Eight White Clouds,” Ōmiya Hachiman Shrine is revered as a deity of victory, warding off misfortune, and bringing good fortune. Located at the center of Tokyo, it is also called the “Navel of Tokyo.” It is also known as one of the Three Great Shrines of Musashi Province, “Tama no Ōmiya,” or “Musashi Province’s First Hachiman Shrine.”

【Three Great Shrines of Musashi Province？】

The Three Great Shrines of Musashi Province generally refer to Ōmiya Hachiman Shrine (Suginami Ward), Hikawa Shrine (Ōmiya Ward, Saitama City), and Ono Shrine (Tama City).

Hikawa Shrine (Musashi Ichinomiya) [Saitama]

Ono Shrine [Tokyo]

The enshrined deity is Prince Homuda Wake no Mikoto, also known as Emperor Ōjin.

【Omiya Hachiman Shrine Main worshipper’s path】

The temple grounds during the Edo period covered 60,000 tsubo, and it is thought that the name “Ōmiya” was given due to its vastness.

This ancient shrine is the third largest in Tokyo. Its approach path offers a forest-like scenery that evokes its former glory, with the main path stretching about 250 meters along a stone-paved road. However, since this path also serves as a parking lot, I recommend visiting early in the morning if you wish to see the path in its pristine state.

【Omiya Hachiman Shrine ShrineGate】

As you pass through the tunnel of trees lining the approach, the Shrine Gate comes into view.

The shrine crest is the Japanese gentian. This crest, associated with the Minamoto clan, is used due to the shrine’s history involving Minamoto no Yoriyoshi in its founding. It was displayed on the worship hall and the shrine gate doors.

【Omiya Hachiman Shrine worship hall】

The current shrine hall was rebuilt in 1965 (Showa 40) to commemorate the 900th anniversary of its founding in 1063.

【Omiya Hachiman Shrine north worshipper’s path】

The North Worshipper’s Path is located on the approach from the direction of Wadabori Park.

Though shorter than the main worshipper’s path, the lanterns create a lovely atmosphere. This is also a pleasant worshipper’s path.

【Omiya Hachiman Shrine Omiya Inari Shrine】

This Inari shrine is said to have been established by merging Omiya Hachimangu Shrine with its sister shrine, Takekoma Shrine in Miyagi Prefecture.

The thousand torii gates are vivid, aren’t they?

【Omiya Hachiman Shrine Wakamiya Hachiman Shrine】

Wakamiya Hachiman Shrine enshrines Emperor Nintoku, the divine child of Emperor Ojin.

【Omiya Hachiman Shrine Omiya Tenmangu Shrine】

Omiya Tenmangu enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning.

【Omiya Hachiman Shrine Tama Shimizu Shrine】

Near the approach path, beside a bamboo grove, stands Tama Shimizu Shrine.

It is known as the “Fountain of Longevity and Good Fortune,” where you can receive sacred water from the dragon’s mouth.

【Omiya Hachiman Shrine Petting Frog Stone of Happiness】

Near the entrance of Seiryōden, the wedding hall within the temple grounds, stands a large rock resembling a frog. It is said that rubbing it brings happiness in return.

It might not look like a frog…

【Omiya Hachiman Shrine GOSHUIN】

【Omiya Hachiman Shrine Nearby attractions】

Myōhō-ji Temple, Mabashi Inari Shrine, Asagaya Shinmyougu Shrine, Ōtaguro Park, Igusa Hachiman Shrine

Mabashi Inari Shrine [Tokyo]

Asagaya Shinmyougu Shrine [Tokyo]

Igusa Hachimangu Shrine [Tokyo]

【Omiya Hachiman Shrine Access】

Manager’s Comments

Lord Minamoto no Yoriyoshi may not have known it at the time, but later excavations uncovered Yayoi period ritual sites around the shrine grounds, suggesting this sacred place since ancient times was no mere coincidence.

Beyond its many subsidiary shrines, the grounds feature numerous attractions: a tea house, sacred water, a bamboo grove, an archery range, and the Ōmiya Ruins. I felt this shrine, beautifully maintained for cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage, is deeply cherished by the local community.

Scale

 (4.5)

Access

 (4)

History and Origins

 (4)

Nature and Landscape

 (4.5)

Stillness

 (2.5)

Types of Goshuin

 (3)

Address of the Omiya Hachiman Shrine

〒168-8570 2-3-1 Omiya, Suginami Ward, Tokyo

※Free parking available

Get off at Keio/Inokashira Line “Nishienpuku Station” and walk for about 7 minutes.

参考

大宮八幡宮 – 大宮八幡宮

大宮八幡宮 – 大宮八幡宮

関連投稿(Related Posts):

Igusa Hachimangu Shrine [Tokyo] Kabuto Shrine [Tokyo] Ono Shrine [Tokyo] Hiratsuka Shrine [Tokyo]