TOC
Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Tomioka Hachiman Shrine is a historic Hachiman shrine located in Koto Ward, Tokyo, and has attracted local faith as the main guardian deity of eastern Edo (present-day Tokyo). Founded in the early Edo period (around the 17th century), it is known for its deep reverence by local people who pray for protection of fishing and wealth. It is known for its large-scale festival, the Fukagawa Hachiman Festival (sometimes called the Fukuoka Hachiman Festival), and the dynamic scenes of the portable shrine procession and water-throwing ceremony are so spectacular that it is counted as one of the three major festivals of Edo.
Highlights
- Main hall and worship hall: This traditional shrine building allows you to worship in a calm atmosphere. Also note the carvings and sacred implements.
- Large torii gate and approach: As you walk along the approach and enter the temple grounds, you can feel the atmosphere that has existed since the Edo period.
- Fukagawa Hachiman Festival (usually held in August): This festival offers a dynamic experience, including a brave portable shrine procession, a parade through the town, and water-throwing (please check the dates each year).
- Gift Shop/Charms: Traditional charms and limited edition goshuin stamps may be given out as souvenirs of your visit.
- The atmosphere of the surrounding downtown: There are old merchant houses, alleyways, and long-established shops remaining in the neighborhood, making it enjoyable to stroll around.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station (walking distance):
- Tokyo Metro/Toei Subway "Kiyosumi Shirakawa Station"...approximately 10-12 minutes on foot (varies depending on exit)
- Tokyo Metro/Toei Subway "Monzen-Nakacho Station"...approximately 5-8 minutes on foot (convenient access from the Monzen-Nakacho side)
- Accessible by taxi or bus from Morishita Station or Ryogoku Station on the Toei Oedo Line
- Bus: There are bus routes in the surrounding area, and it is just a few minutes' walk from the nearest bus stop. Please check the route and timetable in advance.
- By car: Parking is limited within the temple grounds and surrounding areas, so we recommend using public transportation. Traffic restrictions may be in place during the festival.
- Approximate travel time (access):
- Approximately 20-30 minutes by train from Tokyo Station (depending on transfers)
- Approximately 40-60 minutes from Haneda Airport (Train/Monorail + Subway)
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Short visit: Approximately 30 minutes (prayer at the worship hall and a brief tour of the grounds)
- A leisurely stroll: 1-2 hours (including a stroll around the shrine and surrounding area, and a visit to a nearby cafe)
- Festival viewing: Half day to full day (depending on the scale and start time of the festival. Measures to deal with crowds must be considered)
Nearby spots
- Kiyosumi Garden (Kiyosumi Shirakawa): A feudal lord's garden from the Edo period. Enjoy the scenery of the four seasons.
- Cafes and Coffee Shops in Kiyosumi Shirakawa: This area has become known for its coffee culture in recent years. It's perfect for cafe hopping.
- Fukagawa's townscape and long-established stores: Shopping streets, restaurants, Japanese confectionery shops, etc. that retain the atmosphere of a downtown area.
- Museums and art facilities in Koto Ward: Special exhibitions and local museums are great places to stop by during your stroll.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: The area will be extremely crowded during New Year's visits to shrines and festivals (especially the Fukagawa Hachiman Festival). Traffic restrictions and road closures will be in place during festivals, so please check the latest information before proceeding.
- Characteristics of the festival: There is a scene during the festival where water is poured onto the mikoshi, so you may get wet. We recommend waterproofing your camera and valuables.
- Worship Manners: Please observe basic shrine etiquette, such as bowing when passing through the torii gate, using the temizuya (purification fountain), and bowing twice, clapping twice, and bowing once at the worship hall. Loud shouting and littering within the shrine grounds are strictly prohibited.
- Photography: Photography is permitted in many places within the temple grounds, but photography may be restricted during festivals and religious ceremonies. Please follow the instructions of the signs and staff.
- Footing and clothing: The temple grounds are paved with cobblestones, gravel, and steps. It is safe to visit in comfortable shoes. Be careful when it rains as the grounds can be slippery.
- Nearby facilities: There are times when restaurants and restrooms are limited in the area. Restaurants are particularly crowded during festivals, so be sure to make arrangements in advance if necessary.
Note: Before visiting, it is a good idea to check the official website or Koto Ward tourist information for the latest information on opening hours, festival dates, and access information.
