What if I told you this modest shrine once watched over a giant? That giant was the towering smokestack of the Chiyoda Power Plant. It loomed over the landscape. We are standing before Motojukuzeki Inari Shrine. It is a place with a surprising past.
Motojukuzeki Inari Shrine is located in Adachi Ward Tokyo. It may seem like a quiet local shrine now. But its history is intertwined with Tokyo’s industrial heritage. The shrine was founded in 1754. That was during the Edo period. It was originally known as the “Chiyoda Yohon Yanagi Guardian Shrine”.
The shrine’s fortunes were closely tied to the Chiyoda Power Plant. The plant operated from 1926 to 1963. It was the largest thermal power plant in Japan at the time. The shrine served as its guardian. People prayed for the plant’s safe operation. The towering smokestack became a local landmark. It was nicknamed “Obake Entotsu” or the “monster smokestack”. It even appeared in novels films and manga.
In 1945 Motojukuzeki Inari Shrine was incorporated into the grounds of Motosuku Shrine. But locals wanted their own independent shrine. In 1947 they re-established it. The current shrine building was constructed in 1954. The main hall is notable for its rare tile construction. Only four shrines in Adachi Ward have this feature.
The shrine’s main deities are Ukanomitama-no-Mikoto and Okuninushi-no-Okami. These gods are associated with agriculture and prosperity. Motojukuzeki Inari Shrine also has a small auxiliary shrine. It is dedicated to Suijin the water deity. This reflects the shrine’s connection to water. A stone monument bears the inscription “享保三年本木村”. This shows its history.
Today Motojukuzeki Inari Shrine offers a glimpse into the past. It reminds us of Tokyo’s industrial growth. It stands as a testament to local faith. As we leave take a moment to appreciate the blend of industry and spirituality. It is a unique part of this community’s identity.