Four tons of gleaming gold platinum and silver. That’s the weight of the Ichinomiya mikoshi. This magnificent portable shrine is a treasure. It’s one of the stars of the Fukagawa Hachiman Matsuri. This festival is held annually at Tomioka Hachiman-gu.
Tomioka Hachiman-gu is Tokyo’s largest shrine dedicated to Hachiman. Hachiman is the Shinto god of war. He’s also a protector of the Japanese people. This shrine holds a special place in Tokyo’s history. It’s been an important site for centuries.
Originally built in 1627. Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa commissioned the shrine. He wanted to thank Hachiman for victory. Hachiman was also the protector of the Minamoto clan. The Tokugawa were descendants of this powerful clan. The shrine received the shogunate’s protection throughout the Edo period 1603-1868. Even after losing that protection the shrine became one of Tokyo’s ten major shrines.
The shrine grounds are filled with history. There’s a bronze statue of Ino Tadataka. He was a cartographer who lived nearby. He prayed here before each mapping journey. The two mikoshi are stored in a small building. They are stunning examples of craftsmanship. The shrine also has a museum. It shows the shrine’s history and the Fukagawa Hachiman Matsuri. The festival includes a joyous mikoshi procession. Participants sprinkle sacred water on the bearers. It’s a lively and friendly event.
The shrine’s connection to sumo wrestling is also noteworthy. The Kanjin-zumo was created here in 1684. This was the precursor to the Nihon Sumo Kyokai. For 100 years two sumo tournaments were held annually at Tomioka Hachiman-gu. A monument honors yokozuna. These are the highest-ranking sumo wrestlers. You can even see casts of their giant hands and feet.
Tomioka Hachiman-gu is more than just a shrine. It’s a vibrant community hub. There are regular flea markets and antique markets. Prayer ceremonies are held several times a month. The shrine offers a glimpse into Tokyo’s rich past. It also shows its lively present. It’s a place where history tradition and community blend seamlessly. Come and experience the magic of Tomioka Hachiman-gu for yourself.