Unlike the busy Kanda Myojin and Yushima Tenmangu shrines nearby, Tsumakoi Shrine is a hidden gem where you can worship quietly and peacefully without crowds, making it an ideal stop on a walking route between those two major shrines.
Also known as: 妻戀神社
Bunkyo, Tokyo Prefecture
The shrine sits on a cliff squeezed between modern buildings in an unusual elevated location, requiring visitors to climb stairs from street level to reach the sacred grounds above.
Despite being founded to honor Yamato Takeru and his wife Ototachibana, the shrine became so famous as an Inari shrine during the Edo period that it was counted among Japan's Seven Great Inari Shrines, overshadowing its original purpose.
The shrine offers a rare charm called 'Yoshimu Takarabune' (Good Dream Treasure Ship), based on Edo-period woodblocks discovered at the shrine, believed to bring auspicious dreams when placed under one's pillow.
After being destroyed in WWII air raids, the shrine successfully petitioned Japan's Ministry of Finance in 1971 to receive the land as a government grant, enabling its reconstruction through devoted community support.
Unlike the busy Kanda Myojin and Yushima Tenmangu shrines nearby, Tsumakoi Shrine is a hidden gem where you can worship quietly and peacefully without crowds, making it an ideal stop on a walking route between those two major shrines.
The shrine is tucked between buildings on a cliff-like elevation, requiring you to climb stairs from street level to reach the torii gate and then turn west into the compact grounds.
Ask for the unique amulet called 'Yoshimu Takarabune' (Good Dream Treasure Ship), a rare offering based on an Edo-period woodblock print discovered at the shrine and created from a 2013 Japanese painting made for reconstruction prayers.
The main hall (honden) is located on the left (south) side of the grounds after entering, while the Inari shrine stands separately on the right (north) side near the amulet office, so be sure to visit both structures during your worship.
Look for love-themed amulets with heart designs and ema prayer plaques showing Yamato Takeru and Princess Ototachibana. They tie to the shrine’s romantic origin and its name meaning “longing for a spouse.”
Look for love-themed amulets with heart designs and ema showing Yamato Takeru and Princess Ototachibana. They tie to the shrine’s romantic origin and its name meaning “longing for one’s spouse.”
This shrine offers 1 different goshuin designs
Regular
Free
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Fascinating facts about this place
The shrine sits on a cliff squeezed between modern buildings in an unusual elevated location, requiring visitors to climb stairs from street level to reach the sacred grounds above.
Despite being founded to honor Yamato Takeru and his wife Ototachibana, the shrine became so famous as an Inari shrine during the Edo period that it was counted among Japan's Seven Great Inari Shrines, overshadowing its original purpose.
The shrine offers a rare charm called 'Yoshimu Takarabune' (Good Dream Treasure Ship), based on Edo-period woodblocks discovered at the shrine, believed to bring auspicious dreams when placed under one's pillow.
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