Once, this plot of land was near the city’s red-light district. Now, we stand before Suehiro Shrine. Its history is intertwined with Tokyo’s vibrant past.
Suehiro Shrine’s exact founding date is unclear. It may have existed as early as 1596. The shrine became the guardian deity of Yoshiwara. Yoshiwara was the first brothel in Edo.
In 1617, the second Tokugawa Shōgun, Hidetada, designated Yoshiwara as the only legal prostitution area. Suehiro Shrine was located in this district. It became known as the district’s tutelary shrine.
The Great Meireki fire destroyed Yoshiwara in 1657. The district was re-established in Asakusa. It was named the New Yoshiwara. Yet, Suehiro Shrine is still known as the tutelary shrine for the original Yoshiwara.
The shrine was rebuilt in 1675. A ceremonial folding fan was unearthed. It was called a Suehiro. The shrine adopted this name. Suehiro means “spreading end”. It symbolizes prosperity. The shrine was destroyed by fire again in March 1945. This was due to firebombing.
Suehiro Shrine houses Bishamonten. It is one of the Nihonbashi Seven Lucky Gods. The enshrined Kami are Ukanomitama-kami and Takemizuchi-no-mikoto.
People visit Suehiro Shrine for divine favors. These include improved win rate and business prosperity. It also helps in recovery from illness and ensures sound health. Better luck with money and protection against misfortune are sought here. People also pray for better fortune.
The annual festival is on May 22nd.
The shrine has a perfect balance. There are stone guardian dogs and water fountains. Greenery surrounds the shrine. This makes it hard to believe it is between buildings. At the foot of the sacred tree is a small inari torii. It leads to the Foster Mother Sei Inari. This deity is a guardian of children and women. A midwife from the Edo period is enshrined here.
Suehiro Shrine may be small. However, it has a nice atmosphere. It retains the sentiment of the Edo period. It is a precious shrine. Take a moment to appreciate its history. Feel the connection to Tokyo’s past.