船橋東照宮

Gazing upon this unassuming structure, could you ever guess the tales Funabashi Toshogu Shrine whispers? It’s known as the smallest Toshogu Shrine in Japan. Don’t let its size fool you. This tiny shrine holds a connection to one of Japan’s most powerful figures, Ieyasu Tokugawa, the first shogun of the Edo period. Funabashi Toshogu Shrine stands on the grounds of what was once the Funabashi Goten, or Funabashi Palace. Ieyasu used this palace as a resting point in 1615 during a hawking trip to Togane in Kazusa. Imagine the shogun, weary from his journey, finding respite within these very grounds. The shrine itself wasn’t built until later, during the Genroku era (1684-1688) by the Tomi family, priests of the Funabashi Daijingu Shrine. They erected Funabashi Toshogu Shrine in the heart of the former palace grounds to honor Ieyasu. The current building we see today isn’t the original. It was rebuilt in 1857 and later renovated in 1927. Yet, it still resonates with the echoes of the past. Look closely, and you’ll see the Tokugawa family crest, three hollyhock leaves on a white cloth, adorning the main hall. This symbol whispers of the power and influence that once graced this humble spot. It’s a remarkable piece of history tucked away in a quiet residential area, a testament to Funabashi’s rich past.