Didn’t you know that the Seta-Tamagawa Shrine stands as a guardian. It watches over the Setagaya and Futako-Tamagawa areas. We are standing before a place steeped in local history and spiritual significance.
This shrine is called Seta-Tamagawa Jinja. It has been a beacon of faith for centuries. Its story is intertwined with the lives of the people who call this neighborhood home. Seta-Tamagawa Shrine’s history stretches back to the Warring States period. It was a time of upheaval. The shrine’s exact founding date is between 1558 and 1570.
Originally the shrine was called Mitake Jinja. It earned this name because of its location on a high point. It became a village shrine in 1874. In 1908, it merged with several other local shrines. These included Hachiman, Kumano, and Tenso shrines. This union created the Seta-Tamagawa Shrine. It became the guardian deity of both Setagaya and Tamagawa.
The main deities enshrined here are three powerful figures. They are Oanamuchi no Mikoto. Sukunahikona no Mikoto. Yamato Takeru no Mikoto. Oanamuchi is known as the god of nation-building. Sukunahikona is a god of medicine and knowledge. Yamato Takeru is a legendary prince. He is revered for his bravery.
The shrine’s buildings have been rebuilt several times due to disasters. A major typhoon damaged the shrine in 1966. This led to a reconstruction in 1968. Before that, the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923 necessitated repairs. The current buildings reflect these renovations.
Seta-Tamagawa Shrine holds several annual events. The most important is the Reitaisai festival. It takes place on the third Sunday of October. During this festival, portable shrines parade through the streets. They bring blessings to the community. There are also smaller shrines within the Seta-Tamagawa Shrine grounds. One is the Kasamori Inari Shrine. It is known for warding off skin diseases.
The shrine is also known for its unique “flying horse” ema. Ema are wooden plaques where visitors write prayers. The flying horse ema is a semi-three-dimensional artwork. It is a unique feature.
Stepping through the torii gate here at Seta-Tamagawa Shrine is to step back in time. It’s a connection to the enduring spirit of this community. Take a moment to appreciate the tranquility. Reflect on the history that surrounds us.