“Why is this shrine nestled between modern buildings?” I hear you ask. That’s a great question. We are standing before the Koroku Jinja. This shrine has a unique history. It involves warriors and a local industry.
Koroku Jinja’s story begins in 1561. Takada Kasaemon a samurai of the Uesugi clan lost a battle. He fled to this area with twelve comrades. They sought refuge and decided to settle here. They prayed for a peaceful life. So they enshrined two deities. These were Omotaru-no-Mikoto and Kashikone-no-Mikoto. Thus Koroku Jinja began as a guardian shrine.
Originally the shrine was called Dairokuten. During the Meiji Restoration a new name was needed. This was due to the separation of Shinto and Buddhism. The shrine became Koroku Jinja. The name came from two sources. Samurai used the term “Koroku” for a tool to hold arrows. Also the area was known for making “Koroku” face powder.
The shrine’s name combines elements of local history. The “Koro” from the powder production and “roku” from Dairokuten. It reflects both samurai heritage and local industry.
The main hall dates back to 1852. It is a registered cultural property of Arakawa Ward. You can see stone mortars within the grounds. These mortars remind us of the face powder industry. Local people once produced this type of face powder. They used clay and ground it in these stone mortars.
Interestingly Koroku Jinja underwent relocation in 2003. This was part of a local redevelopment project. The shrine moved to its present location. This move reflects the changing landscape of the area.
Koroku Jinja holds its annual festival in early June. Every three years the shrine’s portable shrine is paraded through the streets. This event is a significant tradition for the community.
As you explore Koroku Jinja notice the blend of old and new. It stands as a testament to the area’s history. It also embodies the community’s resilience. Koroku Jinja continues to be a place of worship and cultural significance. It serves the people of Minamisenju today.