“Let me out of the well!” a desperate plea echoes. We are standing before Mishima Jinja. It is a Shinto shrine in Tokyo’s Shitaya area. Mishima Jinja has a captivating legend.
Long ago, villagers suffered from frequent thunder strikes. One day, thunder fell near Mishima Jinja. A clever Shinto priest seized the opportunity. He trapped the thunder in the shrine’s well. The thunder begged for release. The priest agreed on one condition. The thunder must promise never to strike this area again. The thunder agreed and was freed. Since then, no thunder has fallen here.
This legend gave rise to Mishima Jinja’s fame. It is now known for “never fall or fail” divine grace. People seek blessings for fortune, sales, and examinations. They come hoping to avoid failure.
The history of Mishima Jinja dates back to the Kamakura period. Kono Michiari, a valiant warrior from Iyo, received a divine message in a dream. He began worshipping Oyamazumi-no-mikoto. This kami was the patron god of the Kono family. Michiari worshipped him at his home in Musashi. This marked the beginning of Mishima Jinja.
The shogunate tried to relocate the shrine. The villagers strongly opposed this. They wanted Mishima Jinja to stay in Shitaya. Thus it has been worshipped here ever since.
Here at Mishima Jinja three deities are enshrined. Oyamazumi-no-mikoto is a mountain god throughout Japan. He is also a god of military arts and victory. Kamitsuhime-no-mikoto is another deity. She is a daughter of Oyamazumi-no-mikoto. She is known as a god of immortality and longevity. Konohana-no-sakuyahime-no-mikoto is also worshipped. She is a younger sister of Iwanagahime-no-mikoto. She is famous as a god of safe delivery and family happiness.
Mishima Jinja offers special prayers. These prayers are for those seeking “never fall or fail” blessings. You can receive prayers inside the shrine. Enjoy Japanese tea and Higashi. This traditional confectionary is offered to the gods. An Ochinai-Mamori amulet is given. Also you get Mishima Jinja Tessen. This is a dry confectionary shaped like the shrine’s emblem.
Amulets are available for purchase. The Ochinai-Mamori amulet protects from falling or failure. It derives from the Thunder Well legend. It helps wishes “not to fall or fail” come true. This includes exams, sales, fortune and more. There is also an amulet for economic fortune.
Consider writing your wishes on a Kaminari-Ema. This votive tablet is derived from the Thunder Well legend. It serves as a disaster prevention amulet.
Mishima Jinja is easily accessible. It is a short walk from Iriya Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line. You can also walk from Uguisudani Station on the JR Yamanote Line. Mishima Jinja offers solace. It provides hope for those seeking good fortune and protection. It is a place where legends come to life.