Imagine demons lurking nearby. Long ago the Uchino family built this shrine to ward them off. This is Gohozan Kumano Jinja. Some call it Gobozan Kumano Jinja. Others know it as Tateishi Kumano Jinja. But it’s officially Kumano Jinja.
Welcome to Gohozan Kumano Jinja. Its exact foundation date is unknown. However, old texts mention it as early as the 16th or 17th century. This special place offers a taste of Japanese history.
Local lore says the shrine’s grounds were once a thirty-間 wide pentagon. This unique shape embodied the five elements. Even now its vestiges remain. It is said that master astrologer Abe no Seimei had the Kumano deity invited to this place. It is the only shrine in the Kanto region with such a claim. This makes Gohozan Kumano Jinja one of Katsushika ward’s oldest shrines.
Inside you will find the main hall. It was built in 1796. It houses a sacred stone sword. The inner chamber protects this artifact. In 1879 the main hall was rebuilt with zelkova wood. The worship hall was constructed in 1921 and renovated in 1961.
Several smaller shrines dot the grounds. These include the Water Shrine. Also here is the Tenjin Shrine. The Asama Shrine is here. Inari Shrine is another. A kindergarten also resides within the grounds.
Two ancient camphor trees stand by the main hall. They are over 300 years old. The city recognizes them as natural monuments. These trees add to the surreal calming feeling.
Gohozan Kumano Jinja is open 24 hours a day. You can visit any time. Walk these stone steps. Feel the ancient history. Let the trees surround you. Discover a calming alternate reality.