🏮History and History
- The enshrined deity is Konohana Sakuyahime-sama, the goddess of Mount Fuji and the center of Sengen Shrine. 🌸
- Founded in 931 (the first year of the Shohei era). It began with a mysterious incident of snow falling in the summer. ❄️
- During the Edo period, cats of the "Fujiko" group gathered together to spread their faith, leading to the creation of the **Ekoda Fujizuka (built in 1839)**. It stands approximately 8 meters tall and is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property. ✨
- Also known as "Kayahara Sengen Shrine," the grounds are home to waka monuments and legends.
🌸Amazing
- Ekoda Fujizuka: A cultural heritage site where you can experience climbing Mount Fuji in kitty size. You can even climb it during festivals.
- Close to the Station: Even though it's just a stone's throw from Ekoda Station, the grounds are surrounded by trees and offer a sense of tranquility. 🌳
- Cultural Assets: Stone lanterns, water basins, and worship halls remain, giving the shrine a sense of history.
- Guardian Deity of the Area: There's also a branch Inari shrine, where you can pray for prosperous business and bountiful harvests.
✨Summary
Ekoda Sengen Shrine is a cat mecca where you can experience worship of Mount Fuji in the heart of the city. It's a shrine packed with history, cultural assets, and local faith. 🐾💖
I visited Ekoda Sengen Shrine.
It's located right outside the north exit of Ekoda Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line.
It's said to have been founded in 931.
Although it's located right in front of the station, it's quiet, surrounded by many trees, and is immaculately swept, which left me feeling refreshed.
There's a Fujizuka mound behind the worship hall, but it can only be climbed on certain days: the first three days of the New Year and when the mountain opens to the public.
However, even from the outside it appears to be quite large.
Next time, I'd like to visit on a day when I can go climbing.
You can receive a pre-written goshuin stamp at the shrine office.
This shrine is right by the station. I've also been there for my first visit of the year.
I visited Ekoda Sengen Shrine.
It's said to have been founded in 931.
It's quiet and surrounded by many trees. It's unfortunate, however, that there are so many warning signs.
There's a Fujizuka mound behind the worship hall, but you can only climb it on certain days—first three days of the New Year and when the mountain opens to the public.
This really piqued my interest.
At the shrine office, you can get a pre-written goshuin (temple seal). I was surprised to read that writing it yourself is considered wrong.
I visited during the day, but the shrine office was closed.
I dropped in on a whim (collecting temple stamps is a hobby of mine) and it turned out to be a festival day.
The chocolate banana was really delicious!
Apparently eating and drinking is usually prohibited.
I came wearing sandals and short sleeves, so I didn't climb the Fujizuka. See you next time.
Ekoda Sengen Shrine is located in Nerima Ward, Tokyo, Japan, near Ekoda Station. Take the Seibu Ikebukuro Line to Ekoda Station and walk approximately 3 minutes north. The shrine is easily accessible by train from central Tokyo and is situated in a quiet residential area.
Ekoda Sengen Shrine is open 24 hours daily and has no admission fee. However, the shrine office and amulet counter typically operate from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Visitors can pray and explore the shrine grounds at any time, making it convenient for early morning or evening visits.
Ekoda Sengen Shrine is famous for being dedicated to Konohanasakuya-hime, a Shinto deity associated with Mount Fuji. Visitors commonly pray for safe childbirth, family harmony, good health, and protection from fire disasters. The shrine is also known for its beautiful seasonal festivals and peaceful atmosphere away from Tokyo's crowds.
The best time to visit Ekoda Sengen Shrine is during the annual Reitaisai festival in September, featuring traditional performances and local food stalls. Cherry blossom season (late March to early May) and New Year (January 1-3) are also popular times. The shrine hosts monthly markets and seasonal celebrations throughout the year.
Ekoda Sengen Shrine offers various omamori (protective amulets) including those for safe childbirth, health, and traffic safety. Popular souvenirs include ema (wooden prayer plaques), goshuin (shrine stamps), and seasonal charms. The shrine also sells Mount Fuji-themed items reflecting its connection to the sacred mountain.
