Tomioka Hachiman Shrine, Hachiman shrine in Monzennakacho, Tokyo, Japan.
Tomioka Hachiman is a Hachiman shrine in Monzennakacho, Tomioka, Tokyo, Japan, dedicated to the god of war and protector of warriors. The main building displays traditional Japanese construction with a copper roof and carved wooden details on the support beams and doorways.
The shrine was established in 1627 during land reclamation projects in the Fukagawa area and received support from the Tokugawa shogunate. The connection to the Minamoto clan, from which the Tokugawa claimed descent, secured its importance throughout the Edo period.
The grounds house the Yokozuna Stone from 1900, engraved with the names of every grand champion in sumo history. Visitors can view this monument that shows the close connection between the shrine and traditional wrestling.
Visitors can participate in traffic safety rituals where Shinto priests perform ceremonies over vehicles to request protection during travel. These blessings take place throughout the year and are available for different types of vehicles.
The shrine hosts the Fukagawa Hachiman Festival every three years, where participants pour water over bearers carrying flower-decorated portable shrines weighing around 4.5 tonnes. This water pouring is meant to cool down the carriers and give them strength during the long procession.
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