Exploring the uniqueness among 4 famous historical shrines and people's lifestyle in Edo period

Kanda Shrine is a prominent Shinto shrine located in the Chiyoda ward of Tokyo. It has a rich history and holds significant cultural importance in the region.

Kanda Myojin Shrine has a history that dates back over 1,300 years. The shrine is dedicated to three deities: Daikokuten (the god of good harvest and matrimony), Ebisu (the god of fishermen and business), and Taira no Masakado, a feudal lord from the Heian period revered as a deity. It has been a site of worship for both the samurai class and common people, particularly those in the surrounding Kanda, Nihonbashi, Akihabara, and Otemachi areas.

The shrine is known for the Kanda Matsuri, one of Tokyo's three most famous festivals, held in May of odd-numbered years. This festival, which dates back to the Edo period, features a grand procession with portable shrines (mikoshi), music, and dance, attracting numerous visitors.

In recent years, Kanda Myojin has gained popularity among fans of anime and manga, particularly those from the nearby Akihabara district, known as the center of Japan's otaku (diehard fan) culture. The shrine has embraced this connection by offering ema (wooden votive plaques) featuring anime characters and hosting events related to anime and modern Japanese pop culture.

We walk from Kanda Shrine to Yushima Tenmangu Shrine. It takes about 10 minutes. Here is some important features of this shrine.

Yushima Tenmangu Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the Bunkyo ward of Tokyo. It is dedicated to Tenjin, the kami (Shinto deity) of learning, which is a deification of the scholar, poet, and politician Sugawara no Michizane.

Michizane became deified as Tenjin after his death due to the various legends and miracles attributed to him. The shrine has been a center of worship for students and scholars for centuries. Therefore, the shrine is particularly popular among students who pray for success in their studies, especially during exam seasons.

We take a subway Chiyoda Line at Yushima Station to Nezu Station and walk to Nezu Shrine. Here are some features of the shrine.

Nezu Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the Bunkyo ward of Tokyo. It is one of the oldest shrines in the city and has a history that spans over a millennium. The shrine is well-known for its traditional architecture, serene atmosphere, and beautiful gardens.

The shrine is a prime example of Gongen-zukuri architecture, characterized by a distinctive roof design and elaborate woodwork.

Another notable feature is the tunnel of red torii gates, similar to those found at Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine.

Nezu Shrine is particularly famous for its Azalea Festival, which takes place from early April to early May. The shrine's garden boasts about 3,000 azalea bushes of various types, and the blooming flowers create a breathtaking sea of color.

We walk from Nezu Shrine to Yanaka Ginza Street. It takes about 15 minutes.

Here are some features of Yanaka Ginza.

Yanaka Ginza is a charming and nostalgic street located in the Yanaka district, known for its old-town atmosphere and traditional shopping street. This area has successfully preserved the look and feel of Tokyo from past decades, offering a stark contrast to the city's otherwise modern and bustling nature.

The main street of Yanaka Ginza is lined with around 70 small shops and stalls. These include traditional craft shops, food stalls, and small eateries. It's a great place to browse for unique souvenirs, handcrafted goods, and traditional Japanese snacks and sweets.

We take JR Yamanote Line at Nippori Station till Ueno Station, then change to a subway Ginza Line to Asakusa Station.

Before visiting Asakusa Shrine, we take a look at the famous Kaminarimon Gate at first and walk along the Nakamise Shopping Street.

We see the Hozomon Gate, Five Story Pagoda and Main Temple in the precinct of Sensoji Temple.

Finally we visit Asakusa Shrine, which is located just next to Sensoji Temple. Here are some features of Asakusa Temple.

Asakusa Shrine, also known as Sanja-sama (Shrine of the Three Gods), is one of the most famous Shinto shrines in Tokyo. It's nestled in the vibrant Asakusa district, known for its rich history, traditional culture, and the iconic Senso-ji Temple.

Asakusa Shrine was established during the Edo period, in the year 1649. It was built to honor the three men—Hajino Nakatomo, Hinokuma Hamanari, and Hinokuma Takenari—who established Senso-ji Temple. According to legend, these three men found a statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, in the Sumida River in 628 AD and then enshrined it.

Asakusa Shrine is best known for hosting the Sanja Matsuri, one of Tokyo's three major Shinto festivals. This vibrant and lively festival takes place over the third weekend in May. It features processions, traditional music, and dancing. The highlight is the parade of three portable shrines which are believed to house the spirits of the three founders of Senso-ji.

We take a subway Toei Asakusa Line to Oshiage Station, then change to Hanzomon Line to Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station. It is about 5 minutes walk from the station. Here are some features of the museum.

The Fukagawa Edo Museum is a cultural facility that offers a unique glimpse into the lifestyle and atmosphere of the Edo period, specifically focusing on the Fukagawa area.

One of the main attractions of the museum is a full-scale replica of a town from the Edo period. Visitors can walk through the streets, enter houses, and observe a variety of shops and establishments, all meticulously recreated based on historical records and artifacts. This setup provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to feel as if they have stepped back in time.

The museum is known for its interactive elements. Visitors can touch and interact with many of the exhibits.