Discover Tokyo’s oldest shrine “Saiwai Inari Shrine at the alley near Tokyo Tower

“Saiwai Inari Shrine (幸稲荷神社)” located 5 minutes walk from Tokyo Tower. There used to be a village near ‘Kuromon(黒門) on the left side of the main gate of ‘Zojoji Temple(増上寺), and this shrine was built to protect it.
Surprisingly, it is considered one of the oldest shrines in Tokyo.

Originally, the shrine was called ‘Kishino Inari Shrine(岸之稲荷神社).’ One day, some good things happened one after another to the shrine’s believer and the neighbors such as wish fulfillment, thriving business, prosperity of descendants and so on. Therefore, it had begun to be called “Saiwai Inari Shrine” (because Saiwai means happiness) and was officially renamed in 1624.

The old Torii gate. The frame with the shrine’s name, which is a little peeling off the color. The guardian dogs looking strong whose foundations are becoming dull black. And then, the main hall where you can feel the long history from the roof and wood. Although they have a solemn atmosphere, you can feel a warmth that brings happiness to many people and strong power like embracing all things warmly.
If you are raising children, don’t forget to stop by ‘Mifukura Stone(御祠石)’ ! It is believed that the stone will heal any fever and stop children’s crying at night just by praying while pouring water.