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Setagaya Ward, slightly away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, is home to Setagaya Hachiman Shrine, which boasts over 900 years of history. Founded by Minamoto no Yoshiie and known as one of the top three sumo shrines in Edo, this shrine remains a central place of worship for the local community and a valuable cultural tourist spot where you can feel history and tradition.
In this article, we’ll introduce Setagaya Hachiman Shrine, a spiritual spot in Setagaya Ward.
Setagaya Hachiman Shrine is located in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo. Known as a famous spot for sumo wrestling, the shrine has a sumo ring within its grounds. It was founded in the late 11th century (Heian period), with its main deity being Emperor Ōjin, worshipped for protection in battle, academic success, and children’s health.
Setagaya Hachiman Shrine is cherished by the local people as a guardian deity and is lively during events like New Year’s visits and Shichi-Go-San (a festival for children). The annual autumn festival held in the fall features mikoshi (portable shrines) and traditional music, with local residents preserving these traditions. The shrine grounds also feature a taiko bridge and a large ginkgo tree, offering a scenic place to enjoy the changing seasons. It’s a popular tourist spot where visitors can feel the rich history of Setagaya Ward.
Setagaya Hachiman Shrine was founded around 900 years ago by Minamoto no Yoshiie. In 1091 (Kangi 5), after winning a battle in the Tohoku region (Later Three-Year War, a war from 1087 to 1094), Yoshiie was caught in heavy rain and stayed in Setagaya. Grateful for his victory, he enshrined the deity Hachiman Okami, which he brought from Usa Hachiman Shrine in what is now Oita Prefecture.
At that time, soldiers performed sumo wrestling as part of the celebrations, a tradition that continues with dedicated sumo events at the shrine today.
About 400 years ago, Kira Yoriya, the lord of Setagaya Castle, rebuilt the shrine hall and donated a famous sword, Bizen Unji. The shrine became the prayer hall for the Kira family, with religious ceremonies conducted by the Oba family.
In 1590, the Kira family fell after Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s conquest of the Kanto region, but the following year, Tokugawa Ieyasu entered Edo Castle and bestowed land to protect Setagaya Hachiman Shrine. As a descendant of the Minamoto clan, Ieyasu had a special connection with the Hachiman shrines.
In the Meiji era, the shrine was renamed “Usa Shrine,” but after WWII, it reverted to its original name, “Setagaya Hachiman Shrine.” In 1964, the shrine hall was rebuilt into its current form, and it remains a place of worship for many people in Setagaya.
It takes about 20 to 30 minutes to walk around.
Setagaya Hachiman Shrine is compact, making it easy to explore.
Grand Torii Gate
Passing through the grand torii gate, you will find another torii gate further ahead.
The approach to the main shrine consists of stone steps that lead you upwards.
At the top of the stairs, the main shrine comes into view.
At the top of the stone steps, to your left is the chozuya.
The chozuya is occasionally decorated with flowers, so if you’re lucky, you might come across a beautiful scene.
The komainu at Setagaya Hachiman Shrine have a dignified expression and presence.
During my visit, it was New Year’s Day, and the shrine was bustling with people coming for their first shrine visit of the year. Despite the crowd, I was able to line up and pray within about 15-20 minutes.
The main shrine is vibrantly colored.
There are two types of omikuji available: regular omikuji and “Suzune Omikuji” (100 yen each). Both come in English versions as well.
The “Suzune Omikuji” includes a bell attached, which is said to bring blessings if carried around.
You can drop a 100-yen coin into the red box to receive your omikuji.
Setagaya Hachiman Shrine features a sumo ring, where the tradition of dedicating sumo wrestling, dating back to the Edo period, continues today.
Every September, during the Autumn Festival, the sumo club from Tokyo University of Agriculture performs a sumo dedication ceremony, offering thanks to the gods and praying for a good harvest. This ceremony is steeped in history, as Setagaya Hachiman Shrine was once regarded as one of the three major sumo shrines of Edo. The sumo ring remains a crucial part of these sacred rituals.
The origin of sumo at Setagaya Hachiman Shrine dates back to its founding, when sumo was performed to celebrate and honor the Hachiman deity. The tradition has been passed down through the ages, and sumo matches are still held as part of the autumn festival’s sacred rituals.
Setagaya Hachiman Shrine displays a power stone called “Chikaraishi.” These stones were once used in strength competitions and muscle training, showcasing the lives and culture of the people from that time.
One stone is marked “Forty-eight Kan,” which weighs approximately 180kg.
“Forty-eight Kan” refers to:
1 kan = 3.75kg 3.75kg × 48 = 180kg
Temporary Shrine
This shrine temporarily housed the deity while the main shrine was being rebuilt. Its role has now concluded.
Setagaya Repose Shrine (Setagaya Shokon Shrine) enshrines those who died in the Russo-Japanese War and the Pacific War.
Built in 1958, the shrine inherited the shrine hall of the former Nogi Shrine, originally located in Setagaya 1-chome. The Nogi Shrine was established by Mr. Tamaki Masayuki, a nephew of General Nogi. Today, Setagaya Repose Shrine honors the war dead from the Setagaya area, including Daida 1-chome, Tsurumaki-cho, and Kyodo-cho.
Koura Shrine enshrines the deity Koura Tamatare no Mikoto, with an annual festival held on June 30th.
A noteworthy event took place in 1912 (Taisho 1), when a large-scale consolidation was carried out, combining various shrines from within the grounds and neighboring areas, including Tenso Shrine, Koura Shrine, Konpira Shrine, Rokushosha Shrine, Kitano Shrine, Ontake Shrine, Hinomisaki Shrine, and Inari Shrine. This consolidation made Koura Shrine an important location for local faith, uniting the worship of many deities in one place.
Koura Shrine’s unique atmosphere allows visitors to feel the presence of a variety of deities and connect with the area’s diverse spiritual history and culture.
Itsukushima Shrine is a branch of the famous Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima, known for its torii gate standing in the sea. The Setagaya branch enshrines the spirit of Itsukushima Shrine from Hiroshima.
The shrine’s primary deity is Ichikishima-hime no Mikoto, and its festival is held on the eve of the Autumn Festival in September. The deity is also associated with Benzaiten, one of the Seven Lucky Gods, and is fondly referred to by locals as “Benten-sama.”
A small path leads to the shrine, with a red bridge and a small pond creating a tranquil atmosphere.
Itsukushima Shrine is widely worshipped for blessings in wisdom, financial prosperity, family prosperity, and maritime safety.
Setagaya Hachiman Shrine is a historically significant power spot, located just 30 minutes from Shinjuku. The traditions and faith that have been passed down for over 900 years are still carefully preserved by the local community today.
Passing through the vermillion torii gate, you will find a landscape unchanged since the Edo period. The strength of warriors challenging the power stones, the calls of sumo wrestlers in the ring, and the prayers of visitors all contribute to a sense of history and tradition passed down through the ages.
If you’re exploring Tokyo, be sure to visit Setagaya Hachiman Shrine.
