Shinagawa Shrine

Shinagawa-jinja Shrine was said to be built on the orders of Minamoto no Yoritomo (1147–1199), founder of the Kamakura Government, for the security of seafaring vessels and as a personal wish. The shrine was called Kita-shinagawa Inari-sha (enshrining a fox deity) during the Edo period. When Tokai-ji temple in northern Shinagawa was founded, the shrine served as its guardian shrine until the end of the Edo period because it was in the unlucky northeast direction (kimon, or demon gate) of Tokai-ji. The aging shrine was rebuilt in 1964. It is one of 10 shrines in Tokyo. Its annual festival in June, called Shinagawa-jinja Reitaisai, attracts so many people that you cannot move in the street. Portable shrine bearers come from neighboring prefectures in Kanto; the mikoshi sway to the tempo of drums and flute (called Shinagawa-byoshi). In and around the shrine are many stalls enhancing the festive mood. Its touted benefits include: success in entrance exams, health or recovery from illness, business success and luck. A one-minute walk from the North Exit of Shin-bamba Station on the Keihin Kyuko Line.