⛩️ Susanoo Shrine

The shrine, established in the 14th year of the Enryaku period (795) during the Heian era, has a long history. Located in the Arakawa district of Tokyo, it encompasses 61 towns and is deeply revered by the local community. The main deities worshipped are the brave god "Susanoo no Mikoto," who defeated the eight-headed serpent Yamata no Orochi, and "Asuka no Kami," affectionately known as "Ebisu," who blesses business development and prosperity. The "Tenno Matsuri," held annually on June 3rd, is a festival that prays for the elimination of summer epidemics in densely populated areas, as well as for disaster prevention, good fortune, and local prosperity. The shrine's most distinctive feature is the "Mikoshi Furihashi," where the portable shrine is tilted vigorously from side to side using only two poles (Nitenbō), so intensely that the phoenix on the roof of the mikoshi nearly touches the ground. This raw and fierce spectacle captures everyone's attention. The "Goshinkōsai," held every three years, features three portable shrines from the main shrine parading through the 61 towns. Within the shrine grounds, there is also the sacred stone "Zuikō-seki," which is said to be the origin of the shrine's establishment, and a monument commemorating Matsuo Bashō's departure from this location to write his haiku for "Oku no Hosomichi."

In Arakawa Ward, there is a historic shrine that has the most areas dedicated to its parishioners. The "Tennō Matsuri," which prays for the healing of diseases and the warding off of misfortune, is quite famous. The "Mikoshi-buri," where the rough and vigorous portable shrine sways almost to the ground, is renowned far and wide. The bark of the large ginkgo tree, when boiled and consumed, is believed to promote lactation, making it a symbol of protection for children's healthy growth. There is also a monument commemorating the first haiku of the Oku no Hosomichi.