“Did you know a monkey’s trick led to the name of a town?” That’s the curious tale behind the founding of Kagamikumemori Inari Shrine. We are standing before Kagamikumemori Inari Shrine. It is a Shinto shrine in Asakusabashi Tokyo.
Let’s delve into the story. In the early Edo period lived two monkey performers. They were called Kagamikumeo Tayu and Awata Tayu. These performers were from Mikawa. They eventually made their way to Edo. Their performances and prayers gained acclaim.
Word reached the Tokugawa Shogun who was ill. The Shogun summoned them to Edo Castle. He asked them to pray for his recovery. Miraculously the Shogun’s health improved rapidly. In gratitude he granted them land. The area around their residence was named Saruyacho which means Monkey House Town.
Within their residences each Tayu enshrined a deity. These became the foundation for Kagamikumemori Inari Shrine. It was also known as Kagami Inari. Later Kojima Yahei aided in enshrining the deities together.
Today Kagamikumemori Inari Shrine stands as a branch shrine. It is affiliated with Tori越神社. You can find an old stone monument here. It is next to the main shrine building. The inscription partially reads. It mentions 天保五年. This corresponds to 1834 in the Western calendar.
Take a moment to appreciate this small shrine. It is nestled in the Asakusabashi neighborhood. Consider the tale of the Tayu brothers. Their prayers and performances left a lasting legacy. It shaped the history and identity of this place. Kagamikumemori Inari Shrine is a reminder of the unexpected ways history unfolds. It all started with monkeys.