Torikoe Shrine

Torikoe Shrine was established over 1,360 years ago in Torigoe in the Taito ward, where you can still find a good old Tokyo shitamachi (physically lower area) atmosphere. Imperial Prince Yamato Takeru no Mikoto is enshrined as its main god. On the 8th of January every year, Tondo Yaki, where people burn used paper amulets to send off the god they welcomed on the new year day and wish for their well-being for the year, is held. At the Torikoe Festival in June, people parade carrying the Sengan Mikoshi portable shrine, which is believed to be the heaviest mikoshi in Tokyo. Many people come to see this festival because people with a tengu (a supernatural mountain spirit with red skin and a long nose) mask, Tekomairen dance groups, and children waving five-colored flags joins the parade. Many other traditional events such as Chinowa-kuguri (a rite to dispel the source of disease and defilement) and the Suijosai water festival are also organized. Everyone can visit the shrine, and it is believed that the enshrined gods protect you from and fend off evils. An 8-minute walk from the west exit of Asakusabashi Station on the JR Line or a 5-minute walk from Kuramae Station on the Toei Asakusa Line.