What other travelers are saying about Fukutoku Shrine
Located just a short 3-minute walk from a metro station, this small yet charming shrine offers a peaceful retreat from the urban hustle and bustle.
Stepping into Fukutoku Shrine is like stepping into a different world, where tradition and tranquility converge. Despite its modest size, the shrine provides a captivating experience that immerses visitors in Japanese spirituality and history.
One feature that stood out during my visit was the thoughtful inclusion of selfie stands strategically placed around the shrine. These stands allowed visitors to capture the perfect shot at the suggested angles.
Fukutoku shrine
▪ Origin
According to the Fukutoku Shrine’s records, which include summaries of historical accounts, this shrine had already been founded in this area around the years of the Jogan period (860 AD to 876 AD). The main deity of the shrine is Uka no Mitama no Mikoto, the deity who presides over grain.
▪ History
This shrine originally had faithful followers who were military commanders. Among the historical figures that visited this shrine stand out Minamoto no Yoshiie (Hachimantaro) during the latter half of the Heian period; and Ota Dokan, who built the Edo Castle, during the Muromachi period.
It is believed that, during the Edo period, it was especially worshiped by the Tokugawa family as a shrine that brings good luck because of its name, Fukutoku (meaning "there will be good fortune for Tokugawa"). In 1590, Tokugawa Ieyasu visited the shrine for the first time. When the second shogun of the Tokugawa dynasty visited the shrine in 1614, he found a new spring sprout growing from the shrine gate made from sawtooth oak, so the shrine was nicknamed as Mebuki Inari. It is still known by this name today.
It was damaged during the Great Kanto Earthquake and also burned down during World War II, but it was later rebuilt. In 1973, it was enshrined in its current location.
It's a small shrine, which is hidden in silence among the many office buildings of Nihombashi. Signs are not clear. But when entering the shrine area It gives a nice, quiet feeling. Unfortunately, there is no English to read the details of things in the shrine. When walking behind you will find a small park, suitable for sitting and relaxing.
A small little shrine in the middle of the buildings. Its got a very lovely aesthetic but its exactly what it looks like. The wind chime area is on its right and is a short little display. You dont need any entry fee or anything, so if you're swinging by the area its a good visit. There can be a little crowd for both the shrine and the wind chimes so be prepared to wait a bit for unfiltered shots. A good visit if you are in the area though.