Lost in time, the Maekawa Shrine stands as a silent guardian of old Maeno Village. Overlooking the old Edo River, Maekawa Shrine rests at the end of Todoro 308, marking a significant point in Tokyo’s history. The exact origins of Maekawa Shrine are shrouded in mystery. However, local tales speak of its connection to the frequent floods of the Edo River during the Oei era (1394-1428). These floods reshaped the landscape, shifting riverbeds and carrying sand. This created vast sand plains, some of which were later cultivated into the sprawling Iris Garden of the Horikiri Iris Festival (associated with the Izanagi Shrine and the Katori Shrine). Maekawa Shrine’s history intertwines with the very land it occupies.
Initially, Maekawa Shrine was known as the Sixth Heaven Shrine (Dairokutensha) and served as the guardian shrine of Maeno Village. Later, due to the separation of Shinto and Buddhist practices during the Meiji era, its name changed to Maekawa Shrine. From the Muromachi period to the Edo period, the area flourished. Maeno Village grew into a town, transforming into the area now known as Edogawa 1-chome (partially Minami-kasai 5-chome). The local community diligently maintained Maekawa Shrine. Priests from Ukijima Village, Kami-hirai Village, and Nishi-kojiya Village shared responsibilities, ensuring the shrine’s continued operation.
During the Taisho era, road expansions caused the old shrine building to be demolished and reconstructed. The surrounding grounds underwent extensive renovations. This marked a significant turning point in Maekawa Shrine’s physical appearance. This reconstruction finalized in 1932, giving the shrine its current form. Today, the priests of the former Nishi-kojiya-kaido Katori Shrine (now Shinkoiwa Katori Shrine) serve as the dedicated priests of Maekawa Shrine, further connecting its story to the surrounding area.