Asakusa Shrine

#SeptemberDestinations2025 Basic Overview • Location: Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo, Japan, next to the main hall of Senso-ji Temple. • Former Names and Alternatives: Originally known as "Sansha Gongensha" (三社権現社), it was later renamed Asakusa Shrine. • Dedicated to: Three figures closely associated with the founding of Senso-ji Temple—the brothers Hinoki Hamanari and Hinoki Takenari, and Tsuchiji Manakachi. • Cultural Status: The shrine's main hall is a designated Important Cultural Property of the country. Donated by Tokugawa Iemitsu during the Edo period, it still retains its original appearance. ⸻ History and Background • Origin Legend: Legend has it that in 628 AD (the 36th year of the reign of Empress Suiko), two fishermen caught a statue of Guanyin while fishing in the Sumida River. They repeatedly threw the statue back into the water, only to find it reeled in again. Believing it a divine revelation, they placed it on the shore. Later, a local man, Toshi Machuchi, recognized the statue as that of Guanyin and converted his home into a temple. This marked the origins of Senso-ji Temple. Asakusa Shrine was established to commemorate these three individuals (the brothers and Toshi Machuchi). • Coexistence and separation of Shinto and Buddhism: In the past, when Shinto and Buddhism were coexisting, Senso-ji Temple and Asakusa Shrine were closely connected. Monks from the temples chanted sutras before the shrine, and joint ceremonies were held. It was not until the Meiji Restoration, with the decree separating Shinto and Buddhism, that a clear distinction between the two began to emerge. • Reconstruction and preservation of the shrine's main building: The existing shrine's main building was donated by Tokugawa Iemitsu during the Edo period (circa 1649). Having survived numerous wars and fires, its original architectural style can still be admired today. A restoration project in 1996 restored its vibrant colors.  ⸻ Features and Highlights • Sanja Matsuri: Asakusa Shrine's most famous festival is the Sanja Matsuri, held annually in May and one of Tokyo's most lively festivals. It takes place around the third weekend of May. • Amulets and Amulets: The shrine sells a variety of amulets, popular among which are card-shaped amulets (easy to carry) and amulets with the Chinese character "大男" (meaning "Da Man") printed on them. • Komainu: The shrine entrance features a pair of Komainu standing side by side, a rare sight in Japanese shrines. They symbolize marital harmony and fulfillment. • Stone Monuments: The shrine and its surroundings are home to many interesting stone monuments and memorials, including one signed by the author of the manga "Uryū Police Station" and a monument dedicated to a Japanese Kabuki actor, making them a popular attraction for visitors interested in culture and history.  ⸻ Visit and Visitor Information • Prayers: A wide range of prayers can be made at Asakusa Shrine, including family happiness, career success, health, passing exams, and traffic safety. • Access: From Asakusa Station on the Tokyo Metro or Toei Line, Senso-ji Temple and the Asakusa Shrine area are a 5-10 minute walk away. • Opening Hours and Visiting Methods: The shrine is open year-round (with no specific hours). Traditional Japanese worship is performed (bowing, coin insertion, and folding hands together). • Notes: If your visit coincides with a festival (such as the Sanja Festival) or other scheduled events, there may be traffic restrictions and crowds. It is recommended to check in advance.