Tomizuka shrine, Shinto shrine in Japan
Tomizuka shrine is a Shinto shrine in Totsuka-ku built in the nagare-zukuri style, where the roof slopes gently and extends over the entrance area. The main hall, called a honden, houses sacred deities, while traditional torii gates made of wood or stone mark the entrance and separate the sacred grounds from the surrounding neighborhood.
The shrine was established in 1072 after a legend tells of two gods appearing in a dream to two warriors, instructing them to build a shrine. The main hall was reconstructed in 1086 by a supporter of Kagemasa Kamakura and has been maintained ever since.
The shrine bears the name Tomizuka, derived from Tomizuka-hiko-mikoto, a deity believed to protect this place and its people. Visitors can observe traditional customs here, including bowing, hand-clapping, and making wishes, as well as small wooden plaques called ema hung on racks with personal wishes written on them.
The shrine is easy to reach, as Totsuka station is nearby and served by JR and the Blue Line subway. From the station, visitors can walk through quiet streets and arrive at the shrine within a few minutes.
Behind the main hall sits a collection of Kōshintō, small wooden plaques carved with the three wise monkeys, which visitors often overlook. This hidden collection deserves notice for its quiet and discreetly placed presence.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
