大井蔵王権現神社, Shinto shrine in Japan
Daiei Zao Gongen Jinja is a small Shinto shrine in Shinagawa-ku in Tokyo, situated along a busy street next to modern buildings. The grounds are compact with a quiet stone path, shaded trees, and a simple main hall, while the shrine also houses a statue of Fukurokuju, one of the Seven Lucky Gods.
The shrine was likely founded during the late Heian period, though the exact date remains uncertain, and served as a protective guardian for the local area. The site was relocated several times over the centuries while maintaining its role as a place of prayer and community gathering.
The shrine is centered on the Tengu, a legendary creature from Japanese mythology, and this figure shapes how the place looks and is celebrated each year. Visitors can see how the local community keeps this old story alive, especially during the Tengu Festival in April, when men in colorful robes and painted faces carry a large portable shrine bearing a striking Tengu face through the streets.
The shrine is about a five-minute walk from Oimachi Station and can be easily reached on foot or by public transport. Since there is no parking lot nearby, it is best to arrive by train or bus, and visitors should check opening hours in advance as they fall in the early afternoon.
The shrine's annual Tengu Festival is only about thirty years old, created by residents to keep the local legend alive. This celebration has quickly grown into a popular event that draws people from across the area, despite being much younger than the shrine's long history.
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