Yoshiwara Shrine [Tokyo]

【Overview of Yoshiwara Shrine】

Yoshiwara Shrine was founded between 1872 and 1881 by collectively enshrining five Inari shrines (Gentoku, Enomoto, Akashi, Kaiun, and Kurosuke) that were originally located at the entrance and the four corners of the Shin-Yoshiwara Yukaku (pleasure quarters). Later, in 1934, it was relocated to its current site, at which point the Yoshiwara Benzaiten, previously located within the pleasure quarters, was also enshrined together with them.

The principal deities are Ukanomitama-no-mikoto (Inari-gami), the god of grain, and Ichikishima-hime-no-mikoto (Benzaiten), the goddess of water and performing arts.

The shrine primarily grants blessings for good fortune, business prosperity, improvement in arts and skills, and matchmaking. It is highly revered as a guardian deity for neighborhood safety and protection against fire, and is especially famous as a “power spot” (sacred place) that grants the wishes of women.

【Yoshiwara Shrine Approach (Sando)】

Facing Nakanocho-dori Street, you will immediately find the torii gate, the entrance to the precincts, and the approach (sando).

【Yoshiwara Shrine Main Hall (Shaden)】

After the collective enshrinement, the shrine burned down during the Great Tokyo Air Raids in 1945. The current shrine building was newly constructed in 1968.

The Main Hall sits almost directly in front of the precinct entrance. On the left side of the approach, there is a shrine office (juyosho) with an open window where various amulets and items are offered.

【Yoshiwara Shrine: Replica of the Yoshiwara Omon Gate】

In the back left of the shrine, there is a replica of the Yoshiwara Omon (the Great Gate) and a painting that covers an entire shutter. I believe it depicts the pleasure quarters of the past. It seems the local parishioners funded its construction to coincide with the broadcast of the NHK historical TV drama (Taiga drama) Berabou.

【Yoshiwara Shrine Goshuin】

【Tourist Spots Near Yoshiwara Shrine (Within a 30-minute walk)】

Asakusa Otori Shrine, Tobifudo, Senso-ji Temple, Ono Terusaki Shrine.

Asakusa Otori Shrine [Tokyo]

飛不動 (三高寺 正寳院)【東京都】

Senso-ji Temple [Tokyo]

Ono Terusaki Shrine [Tokyo]

【Yoshiwara Shrine Access】

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