About Asakusa Shrine
Asakusa Shrine (Asakusa Jinja) is a Shinto shrine located in Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo. Its official name is also known as “Sanja-sama.” Founded in 1649 (Keian 2), it is adjacent to the east side of the main hall of Senso-ji Temple.
Deities and History
Asakusa Shrine enshrines three individuals who were involved in the founding of Senso-ji Temple.
- Haji no Matsuchi no Mikoto: The person who enshrined the sacred Kannon statue, the principal image of Senso-ji Temple.
- Hinokuma no Hamanari no Mikoto: The elder brother of the fisherman brothers who discovered the Kannon statue in the Sumida River.
- Hinokuma no Takenari no Mikoto: The younger brother of the same fisherman brothers.
Because these three deities are enshrined here, the shrine is called “Sansha Gongen” or “Sansha-sama” and is beloved by the local people.
Points to Note When Visiting
Highlights of the Shrine
The current shrine building was constructed in 1649 by Tokugawa Iemitsu and is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. It is a valuable structure that conveys early Edo period architectural techniques in the Gongen-zukuri style. Its distinctive feature is the integrated structure of the main hall, offering hall, and worship hall.
Proper Worship Etiquette
- Bow before passing through the torii gate.
- Purify your body and mind at the water basin.
- Worship in front of the main hall using the “two bows, two claps, one bow” ritual.
- Fortune slips and Goshuin (temple/shrine stamps) can be obtained at the shrine office.
Goshuin and Offerings
In addition to regular Goshuin, special Goshuin are offered during the Sanja Matsuri festival. A wide variety of amulets are available, including those for matchmaking, business prosperity, and protection against evil.
About the Sanja Matsuri
Festival Overview
Held annually on the third weekend of May (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), the Sanja Matsuri is one of the Three Great Edo Festivals and attracts approximately 1.8 million visitors. Its official name is “Asakusa Shrine Grand Festival.”
Highlights
- Friday: The famous “Grand Procession” parades through the streets of Asakusa.
- Saturday: Approximately 100 local portable shrines parade throughout Asakusa.
- Sunday: Three main shrine portable shrines parade through each neighborhood from early morning until late at night.
The procession of the main shrine portable shrines on Sunday is particularly spectacular, with the enthusiasm and shouts of the bearers filling the streets of Asakusa.
Benefits
Asakusa Shrine is believed to offer the following benefits:
- Matchmaking: The strong bond of the three deities brings good fortune in relationships.
- Business Prosperity: In honor of the enshrined deity, who was a fisherman, it brings success in business.
- Family Safety: As the guardian deity of the region, it ensures the well-being of the family.
- Exorcism and Good Fortune: A miraculous power to ward off evil, continuing since the Edo period.
In particular, the Hikan Inari Shrine (a subsidiary shrine within the grounds) is known for its blessings of “career advancement and good fortune,” as it was worshipped by Shinmon Tatsugoro.
Access
Access by Train
- Tokyo Metro Ginza Line: 7-minute walk from Asakusa Station
- Toei Subway Asakusa Line: 7-minute walk from Asakusa Station
- Tobu Skytree Line: 7-minute walk from Asakusa Station
- Tsukuba Express: 10-minute walk from Asakusa Station
Located on the east side (left side when facing) of the main hall, after entering through the Kaminarimon Gate of Senso-ji Temple.
Visiting Hours and Admission Fee
- Visiting Hours: Grounds are freely accessible (Shrine office is open from 9:00 to approximately 16:30)
- Admission Fee: Free
- Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Many people visit this shrine along with Senso-ji Temple, making it a standard stop on Asakusa sightseeing routes. It gets especially crowded during the Sanja Matsuri festival, so weekdays are recommended for those who want to visit at a more leisurely pace.
