Tokyo｜Suitenggu Shrine, located above the police station, is the most famous shrine in Kanto for praying for children and safe childbirth.

Having guarded the Edo region for 200 years, Suitengu Shrine underwent a complete renovation in 2016, introducing a vertical shrine design. Only on the second floor can one truly enter the shrine grounds. From the intersection, the adjacent police station resembles the shrine's ground floor.

This is a renowned shrine in Kanto for praying for children and safe childbirth, enshrining Amanokami-no-chūmi, Emperor Antoku, Takakura Taira-chūnomiya, and Nii-ni. Originally located in Kurume, Fukuoka, during the Edo period, the Kurume lord, Arima Yoritoku, relocated his branch spirit to Edo. For over two hundred years, from the shogunate to the state of Japan, an unwritten rule held that the chief priest must be a member of the Arima family.

The new Suitengu Shrine now resembles a museum, with a life-size statue of Arima Yoritoku placed by the staircase. However, some traditional elements remain unchanged, such as the Kohokuinu statue, a mother and child dog sculpture, and the kappa symbolizing safe childbirth, which still guard the site. There's an interesting story: During the Edo period, a woman in labor tied a colorful cloth with bells hanging from the front of the shrine around her waist, which resulted in a smooth delivery. This later became a safe delivery amulet, costing 8,000 yen and still attracting pregnant women. Another interesting fact: visitors to the shrine place money on the dragon beneath the eternal lantern. Could this also symbolize the hope of having a successful child?

Since you're already here, I recommend heading towards Ningyocho on your way out. There's an automaton clock tower on the roadside, which features hourly performances from 11 AM to 7 PM. Only two remain, one near Suitengu Shrine, offering a glimpse into the rich Edo atmosphere.

📍Address: 2 Chome-4-1 Nihonbashikakigaracho, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0014, Japan
🚗A two-minute walk from Suitengu-mae Subway Station.
#9月好去2025

Post by 旅行中的野馬 | Sep 25, 2025