This shrine is located in front of the station. It's a 0-minute walk from the north exit of Ekoda Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line. While it's convenient by train, it's a bit inconvenient to get to by car. It's almost completely removed from the Metropolitan Expressway, and if you're coming from the inner loop of the Kan-nana Expressway, you just need to turn left at the Hazawa 2-chome intersection and head south, but if you're coming from the outer loop, it's in an area that's almost impossible to access directly. It's on the east side of the Sakaemachi intersection, so after going under the Ekoda pedestrian overpass, you have to turn left immediately and go around the alleys to get onto the uphill lane of Sakaemachi Hondori, heading east. Once you arrive in front of the shrine, there are hardly any city parking lots to be found, so you have to park on the grounds and pay your respects. That's why it becomes difficult to even get close during festivals. As it is an Asama shrine, there is a small hill resembling Mount Fuji behind the main hall, as is typical for Asama shrines, and there is usually a miniature Mount Fuji wherever you go, but recently most places have restrictions on climbing them, and this place is no exception, with limited periods during which you can climb them. The main shrine faces south with its back to the north, and the grounds are long from north to south. The shrine office and the place where you can receive amulets and talismans are located on the right side. They have a full range of amulets and talismans for various wishes, and they also offer Goshuin (stamped seals).
Heading south on Loop Route 7, turn left at the Seibu Ikebukuro Line station in Sakae-cho, Nerima Ward, and follow the tracks. The shrine is located near the station. From the shrine's name marker, proceed along the stone-paved path to the torii gate, water basin, stone lanterns, and the main hall with a tiled roof. To the left of the main hall is a miniature Mount Fuji.
🏮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. 🐾💖
It's a surprisingly spacious and quiet shrine right in front of the station, considering its location near a train station.
There was also a miniature Mount Fuji (Fujizuka), although I couldn't climb it.
