Fukagawa is a district in down-town Tokyo. There are two unique religious places, which are close together side by side. They are a Shinto shrine called " Tomioka Hachimangu shrine" and a Buddhist temple called "Fukagawa Fudoson temple.
1. Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine
The Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine is a large beautiful shrine and one of many Hachimangu shrines.
Hachimangu shrines are dedicated to the god of battle, Yawata no Kami, who was revered by samurai worriers. There are said to be more than 10,000 Hachimangu shrines in Japan and Tomioka Hachmangu shrine is one of the largest such shrines. Since its foundation in 1627, it has been highly worshiped by locals.
The main hall is a vermillion building. In front of it, people make offering, bow twice, clap hands twice, pray silently, then bow once more at the end.
Every year around August 15th, the Fukugawa Hachiman Festival is held. It has been one of the three great festivals in Edo, today’s Tokyo, (along with Kanda festival and Sanno festival).
Visitors must see Japan’s best portable shrines decorated with gold, silver and diamonds which are displayed in the precinct. They are moved to go through the city by many people at the festival. One of highlights of the festival is sprinkling water to the people and portable shrines.
Tomioka Hachimangu is regarded as the original place where sumo wrestling was permitted by the Edo shogunate in 1648. There is a monument on which the names of the Yokozuna throughout history are engraved. The Yokozuna is the top position in sumo wrestling.
Tomioka Hachimangu is worth visiting to feel traditional Japanese atmosphere.
2. Fukagawa Fudoson temple
Fukagawa Fudoson temple is a Buddhist temple located in Monzennakacho, Tokyo and a branch temple of Narita-san Shinshoji temple near Narita Airport.
It features a special Buddhist ritual called goma purification ritual. Many monks perform the ritual using taiko drums, fire, and chanting. People’s prayers are offered to the old statue called Fudomyoo or Immovable Wisdom King in front of the fire.
The ritual is usually held five times a day, at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Anyone can see the ritual for free, so it is worth attending.
In side of the main hall, there are various displays of artistic statues and paintings relating Buddhism. They are so beautiful that you would feel in another world. They are very much gorgeous. If you like to see Buddhist art, this place is ideal.
3. Others
If you want to see the two religeous spots with a guide, would you please see this tour.
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