⛩️ Okunitama Jinja Shrine (大國魂神社)

The Ōkunitama Shrine, located in Fuchu City, Tokyo, has a long history of over 1,900 years. It ranks alongside Meiji Shrine, Yasukuni Shrine, Hie Shrine, and Tokyo Daijingu as one of the Five Shrines of Tokyo. The main deity of the Ōkunitama Shrine is Ōkunitama no Ōkami, a god said to have founded and protected the Musashi Province (which was an administrative region in Japan that includes parts of present-day Tokyo, Saitama, and Kanagawa). Within the shrine grounds, there are several small shrines that enshrine deities responsible for various blessings. It is said that the Ōkunitama Shrine is especially effective in granting wishes related to love and protection from disasters. The approach to the shrine begins at Fuchu Station on the Keio Line and stretches about 500 meters. It is a tree-lined path planted with 120 zelkova trees, known as the "Baba Otemon Zelkova Avenue," which is designated as a national natural monument. Behind the main shrine building stands a ginkgo tree that is over a thousand years old. The lush and thriving ginkgo tree is a magnificent sight and one of the biggest energy spots at the Ōkunitama Shrine. Every year on May 5, a traditional Shinto ritual called "Kurayami Matsuri" is held as the main festival. The sight of numerous portable shrines, large drums, and floats parading through the streets is quite spectacular. During the festival, the streets are filled with crowds of onlookers, creating a particularly lively atmosphere. Additionally, the Ōkunitama Shrine is also a famous destination for hatsumode (the first shrine visit of the New Year), reportedly drawing about 500,000 visitors annually for New Year’s prayers.

"Miyano-me Shrine" is a small shrine located within the grounds of Ōkunomichi Shrine. Many people come here to offer ema (wooden tablets) decorated with mother-and-child motifs and spoons with holes at the bottom, praying for blessings from the deity for a smooth childbirth. The main deity of "Miyano-me Shrine," "Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto," is revered as the goddess of performing arts. Various festivals are held throughout the year, including "Kurayami Matsuri" (Darkness Festival), "Ume Matsuri" (Plum Festival), "Kuri Matsuri" (Chestnut Festival), and "Tori no Ichi" (Rooster Market). The "Hōmotsuden" (Treasure Hall) houses a portable shrine and large taiko drum. It can only be visited on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and during shrine festival days (entrance fee 200 yen).