A horse’s head. That’s what first caught my eye. The Bodhisattva Bato-kannon statue at Komagata Daijinja Shrine is unlike any other.
Welcome to Komagata Daijinja Shrine a place steeped in history and legend. It stands not far from the bustling Sensoji Temple. Many associate this shrine with Sensoji Temple’s history. Some believe it marks the spot where Sensoji Temple’s main gate once stood. A more romantic legend tells of fishermen pulling a statue of Kannon from the Sumida River. This event supposedly led to the founding of Sensoji Temple.
Komagata Daijinja Shrine boasts a rich history. While its exact origins are unclear the shrine’s location beside the Sumida River was crucial. In Japan’s medieval period pilgrims arriving by ferry would land here. They would first pay their respects at Komagata Daijinja Shrine. The shrine’s present west-facing orientation changed in 1742. Before that it faced east towards the river. The shrine underwent its most recent renovation in 2003.
The horse-headed Kannon statue holds a special place here. Bato-kannon is the god of traffic safety. The name Komagata meaning horse-shaped. It refers to the small district where the shrine was originally located. This is between Komagata Bridge and Umaya Bridge. The shrine is open on the 19th of each month. Visitors can view the Bato-kannon statue. Its annual festival takes place on April 19th.
Komagata Daijinja Shrine is easily accessible. It’s a short walk from Sensoji Temple. It is also near Asakusa Station on the Asakusa Subway Line.
Take a moment to appreciate this unique and ancient shrine. It’s a hidden gem in the heart of Tokyo. A testament to the enduring power of faith and the mysteries of history. Komagata Daijinja Shrine awaits your respectful visit.