How about a dragon presenting a lantern? That’s just one of the legends surrounding Tenso Jinja. This Shinto shrine in Roppongi has a rich history. It is also known as Ryudo Shinmei-gu. Ryudo Shinmei-gu means dragon light shrine.
Tenso Jinja was founded in 1384. This was during the Nanboku-cho period. Legend says a dragon flew here. It came from the coast of Shinagawa in Edo Bay. The dragon presented a lantern.
Let’s step closer. Notice the smaller shrine on the grounds. This is Manpuku Inari Shrine. It enshrines Fukurokuju. Fukurokuju is the God of wisdom and longevity. He is one of the Minato Seven Lucky Gods.
Tenso Jinja has more to offer. It was damaged during World War II. You can still see signs of the bombing. These scars serve as a reminder of the past. They tell a story of resilience.
The shrine was once called Shinmei-sha. This was during the Shogunate. In March 1873, it was renamed Tenso Jinja. It gained village status ranking the following year.
The current main hall dates from 1992. Take a look at the torii. It was erected in 1796. The Itabashi-ku Department of Education calls it the oldest Shinmyo type torii in the ward. But some question this description. They suggest it might be a Munakata type.
See the komainu pair? They stand in front of the prayer hall. They were erected in October 1998.
Also here is the Oshiwabuki-sama. It is a representation of a phallus. Until the Shin-butsu Bunri, it was housed in a nearby temple. That temple was Kyotoku-ji. The shrine’s information board calls it a shintai. It is also an ishigami meaning stone god. Oshiwabuki is seen as safeguarding against coughs and infectious diseases. It is also linked to childbirth.
Tenso Jinja offers a blend of history and legend. It’s a place where dragons meet gods. It’s also a place where old traditions meet modern times. Take a moment to appreciate its unique charm.