“Water source guardian.” That is just one aspect of the Ichikishima Shrine. This Shinto shrine reveres Ichikishima-hime. This goddess embodies water.
Welcome to Ichikishima Shrine. It is also known as Ichikishima-hime Shrine. Many shrines call her Benten. This is due to her association with the Buddhist deity Benzaiten. Shrines often enshrine her within their grounds.
Legend says the three goddesses protected Ninigi during his descent from heaven. Thus Ichikishima Shrine became known as a guardian of children. People pray here for their children’s well-being.
Many Ichikishima Shrines exist. One stands on Benten Island in Nemuro City Hokkaido. Another can be found in Koga City Ibaraki Prefecture. Others are in Itako City and Kasama City in Ibaraki Prefecture. There is an Ichikishima Shrine in Inzai City Chiba Prefecture. Here in Tokyo you will find one in Nerima Ward. There is another in Kita Ward Tokyo. You can visit another in Kodaira City. Furthermore there are shrines in Fujisawa City Kanagawa Prefecture. There is even one in Fujiyoshida City Yamanashi Prefecture. In Osaka Prefecture you can find one in Settsu City. There are more in Tawaramoto Town Nara Prefecture. Finally there is one in Heguri Town Nara Prefecture.
The Ichikishima Shrine in Suginami Ward has a unique history. During the Edo period it was called Benten of Zenpukuji Pond. Historical records mention a stone statue. It faced south near the pond. Villagers revered it.
At one point the shrine moved. It relocated from the island on the right to its current location. The original island then became known as Moto Benten.
Local lore connects the shrine to Minamoto no Yoritomo. He prayed to Benzaiten for water. His prayers were answered. In 1197 the deity of Enoshima was invited here. This marked the beginning of the Ichikishima Shrine.
Farmers in nearby villages revered the shrine. They saw it as a protector of water sources. The lord of the area offered a sea serpent to the shrine. In 1840 the shrine underwent renovations. Villages from Nerima and Nakano contributed to the costs.
During droughts villagers prayed for rain. They carried bamboo vessels filled with pond water. They adorned themselves with sedge. Chanting they paraded through the village. Afterward they offered four tubs of sake. They scattered water in all directions while praying.
Today Ichikishima Shrine remains a cherished place. It honors water. It is a guardian of children. It is a reminder of local history and devotion.