Majestic and serene, Hatonomori Hachiman Shrine stands as a peaceful retreat. This contrasts with the international competitions held at the nearby Japan National Stadium. The shrine has many attractions. These include the Sendagaya Fujizuka and the Shogido Hall.
Let’s explore Sendagaya Fujizuka. It is a replica of Mount Fuji. Mount Fuji is Japan’s most iconic mountain. The mountain is revered in a belief system known as “Mount Fuji faith.” This faith became popular during the Edo period. Believers built Fujizuka around Tokyo for those who could not climb the actual mountain. Climbing a Fujizuka is believed to offer the same benefits as climbing Mount Fuji itself. Sendagaya Fujizuka is one of the few remaining Fujizuka in Tokyo. It features signs indicating positions and routes to the summit. It takes less than five minutes to reach the top of “Mini Fuji.” At the summit, you will find Sengen Shrine. Lava rocks from Mount Fuji are placed here. Many come to experience climbing “Mount Fuji” and receive its blessings while still in Tokyo.
Next to Sendagaya Fujizuka is the unique Shogido Hall at Hatonomori Hachiman Shrine. In 1986, the Japan Shogi Association dedicated a large osho piece to Hatonomori Hachiman Shrine. Shogido Hall was built the same year to enshrine it. Every January, a prayer festival is held for Shogido Hall. The shrine also offers shogi-related amulets for victory in shogi. Shogido Hall has become a sacred site for shogi players. Many visitors pray for improved shogi skills.
The Hatonomori Hachiman Shrine’s main hall was once destroyed in 1945 during the Pacific War. The current shrine building was completed in 1993. It restores its former appearance. The hall is made entirely of zelkova wood. After offering your prayers with two bows, two claps, and one bow, visit the shrine office. Here you can receive omamori and a goshuin.
Hatonomori Hachiman Shrine features dove-themed items, reflecting its name. Hato means dove in Japanese. The ema votive tablets where visitors write their wishes also feature doves. One of the most charming items is the hato mikuji. These paper fortune slips look like doves huddling together when tied on the mikujikake fortune-tying ropes.
Moreover, Hatonomori Hachiman Shrine offers foreign language omikuji for international visitors. These omikuji are available in five languages: Japanese, English, Korean, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese.
You can receive goshuin from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. If you provide a hatsuhoryo of 500 yen, you can have your goshuin book stamped. Hatonomori Hachiman Shrine also offers a special goshuin for climbing the Fujizuka, called the Sendagaya Fuji Tohai Goshuin. The hatsuhoryo is also 500 yen.
Within the shrine grounds, there’s a glass-walled building. It’s the nogakudo Noh Theater Stage. Here are held performances of the classical Japanese dance-drama Noh. Also performed is kyogen, the comic theater form. The nogakudo at Hatonomori Hachiman Shrine is used for Noh practice several times a week. Hatonomori Hachiman Shrine hosts the annual Hatonomori Takigi Noh performance. This is a summer night performance of Noh. Bonfires illuminate the stage.
Hatonomori Hachiman Shrine’s sacred tree is a large ginkgo. This tree survived the ravages of war. Hatonomori Hachiman Shrine is a place filled with mysterious legends from ancient times. It is located next to the sacred place of Go. It is a place where you can experience Japanese history and culture.