Ejima sugiyama-jinja, Shinto shrine in Japan
Ejima Sugiyama-jinja is a small Shinto shrine located in Sumida ward, Tokyo, situated in a quiet area away from the city's busiest streets. The grounds feature simple wooden structures, stone lanterns lining the approach path, and trees that provide natural shade and a peaceful setting.
The shrine originates from the Edo period, when it served as a prayer site for common people and was originally known as 'Honjo One-eyed Great Benten.' Its connection to the nearby One-eyed Bridge and veneration of Benten, goddess of arts and wealth, shaped its historical significance.
The shrine honors Sugiyama Waichi, a celebrated healer and acupuncturist whose memory is preserved in local traditions and daily worship practices. Visitors can observe traditional rituals such as hand clapping and bell ringing that remain an active part of community spiritual life.
The shrine is reachable on foot in about 7 to 8 minutes from nearby Ryogoku station and sits along old streets that echo the area's history. The grounds are safe and family-friendly, offering plenty of space for walking or sitting quietly to reflect.
Within the shrine grounds sits a coin washing pool where visitors purify their coins and objects with water, believing it brings good fortune and prosperity. A museum opened in 2016 documents Sugiyama Waichi's life and work, revealing his role in the region's medical history.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
