Nitta Shrine

This is a historical shrine built in 1358. The deity is worshiped for family prosperity, requited love, and wishes to be fulfilled. People believe that good fortune is maintained and happiness is invited. When you enter the site surrounded by greenery, you will find a sacred tree in the front, and the main building of the shrine in the back. This shrine is also known as the origin of hamaya, an arrow that wards off evils. The Edo-period pharmacologist and student of Rangaku (a body of knowledge developed by Japan through a limited association with Dutchmen and their culture), Gennnai Hiraga, who paid a visit to the Nitta Shrine, created ”yamori,” an arrow with mysterious bamboos grown in the precinct and recommended people to deify and believe it. This was the origin of current hamaya that is believed to bring good luck and expel evils. At present, on New Year's days, people bring hamaya home to worship as a guardian deity of the house. The shrine offers various types and shapes of omamori (Japanese amulets), such as ”katsumori” for victory and good luck, or ”koun'no-Love-mori” for requited love in a drawstring purse type and a strap type. They are suitable for souvenirs. It is a 4-minute walk from the Musashi Nitta Station on the Tokyu Tamagawa Line.