[Tokyo] The 1200-Year-Old Historic Forest of Shinjuku: "Shinjuku Suwa Shrine"

Located in Takadanobaba, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo, "Shinjuku Suwa Shrine"⛩️

Famous as one of Takadanobaba’s top power spots, its history dates back to the Heian period and it has been deeply connected to the transitions from the Kamakura to Edo periods.

A large torii gate facing the street marks the entrance, and once you pass through, on the left is the temizuya (water pavilion)! The sacred water flowing from a bamboo pipe held by a dragon springs from the shrine grounds and is called the "Suwa Sacred Spring." It is said to bring blessings especially for eye diseases…👀

Further inside, the main hall appears! The magnificent exterior beautifully decorated with chrysanthemum crests and the calm color contrast were stunning✨ I tightened my spirit and offered my prayers🙏

To the front left of the main hall is the "Miya Mikoshi Storehouse," modeled after the National Treasure Azekura style storehouse at Tōshōdaiji Temple in Nara Prefecture. On the right is the "Kaguraden," where songs and dances are performed as offerings to the gods. You can see several valuable buildings here!

Also within the grounds are spots worth seeing, such as "Ontake Shrine," affectionately called "Ontake-san," one of the subsidiary shrines, a small Inari Shrine, and the "Kanjin Mihashira no To," designated as a tangible folk cultural property of Shinjuku Ward!
*The "Koshinto" stone tower, originating from Taoism brought from China, features carvings of the three wise monkeys. Since the monkey is associated with the zodiac sign of the monkey, many Koshinto towers have monkey carvings🥸

There are several types of goshuin (shrine stamps), both pre-written and handwritten, and I was quite torn, but I chose the one featuring Genbu, one of the Four Symbols of Chinese mythology, because I loved the design!🐢 Compared to other goshuin, the calligraphy was not as bold and flowing... but it had a modern style that gave it a unique charm😌

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[Access🚌]
① 10-minute walk from JR Yamanote Line "Takadanobaba Station"
② 1-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line "Takadanobaba Station"

[Opening Hours🕰️]
6:00 AM – 4:00 PM
⚠️ Hours may change depending on the season!
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