Tomioka Hachiman Shrine

Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine, the largest shrine in Edo, was constructed in 1627 and has been a place of worship ever since. Its 17 small shrines enshrine various gods including the founder of sumo wrestling, the gods of travel and the god of prosperity. Sumo wrestling began back in the Edo period in Kyoto and Osaka. While the sport was banned for some time, it resumed on the grounds of Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine. There are monuments to Yokozuna sumo wrestlers inscribed with their names, hand and foot types. These monuments show us the history of sumo wrestling. Also attracting tourists as well as locals is the Fukagawa Hachiman Festival, featuring an array of 54 different mikoshi shrines and one of the three largest festivals in the Edo area. The Ougon (golden) Shrine is too large and heavy to be carried but can be seen at the shrine. A three-minute walk from Monzen-nakacho Station brings you to Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine. Monzen-nakacho has a number of okonomi-yaki and monja-yaki restaurants, making it popular as well.