Climatic anxieties are not new. Here at Kisho Jinja weather shrine people seek divine help. This is Japan’s only shrine dedicated to weather. It is located on the grounds of Koenji Hikawa shrine.
Kisho Jinja weather shrine has seen a surge in visitors. People want relief from extreme weather events. Intense heat waves and devastating super typhoons have become more common. These climatic changes have disrupted Japan’s traditional four-season cycle. Locals worry about flooding and the impact on agriculture.
The shrine’s popularity got a boost from the 2019 anime Weathering With You. A digital display near the torii gate gives daily weather updates. This adds to the shrine’s appeal. Daishin Kontani is a priest and certified weather forecaster. He has seen an increase in climate-conscious worshippers recently.
Japan has seen more flooding and landslides. These are caused by heavy rain. Record high temperatures are common. There is an increased risk of landslides and flooding. More potent tropical cyclones also occur more often. Tokyo was hit by guerrilla rainstorms in August. These sudden downpours caused disruption. Heat exhaustion has also become more severe.
Kisho Jinja weather shrine has historical roots. During World War II, the Imperial Japanese Army created a research group. They studied weather forecasting for military strategy. The first weather shrine was built in Mabashi in 1944. It was later moved to its current location in 1945. This happened after state Shinto ended.
Yagokoro Omoikaneno Mikoto is one of the enshrined deities. This deity is believed to control eight meteorological phenomena. Worshippers often write their wishes on wooden votive tablets called ema. They hope for favorable weather.
The shrine attracts a diverse range of visitors. Air conditioner manufacturers and sports teams come here. Some people visit out of desperation. They pray for a reduction in major disasters.
Kisho Jinja weather shrine is unique. It offers special weather-related items. These include charms, ema and amulets. You can pray for good weather here. The shrine is located within Koenji Hikawa shrine. It is a two-minute walk from JR Koenji Station.
The Kisho Jinja weather shrine was originally built in 1944. It was on the grounds of the Imperial Japanese Army’s weather department. After the war, it was scheduled to be removed. But the priest of Koenji Hikawa shrine decided to keep it. It was moved to its current location in 1948. The shrine building was rebuilt in 2003. This commemorated the 55th anniversary of its relocation.
Yagokoro Omoikaneno Mikoto governs eight weather conditions. These are sunny, cloudy, rain, snow, thunder, wind, frost and haze. This is Japan’s only weather shrine. People come from all over Japan to visit. They want to get rid of bad weather or pray for disaster relief. Some visitors are weather forecasters.
Unique items are available. These include charms with teru teru bozu and geta motifs. There are also ema and omikuji. A popular charm is the “hare mamori” or sunny charm. It has a sun embroidery. People bring it on days they want to be sunny.
The “teru teru mamori” charm is also popular. It represents the teru teru bozu doll. It is available in blue and red. People pray for sunny weather. They also pray for the fulfillment of wishes. The charm is believed to bring clarity.
Ema with geta designs are unique to this shrine. The geta are used for weather divination. The shape of the geta resembles the number eight. This relates to Yagokoro Omoikaneno Mikoto.
The omikuji features colorful designs. They come in eight colors. Each color represents a different fortune.
The Kisho Jinja weather shrine offers unique and cute items. It is the perfect place to pray for good weather. So next time you worry about the weather, remember Kisho Jinja. A little divine intervention might be just what you need.