⛩️ Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine (富岡八幡宮)

Tomioka Hachimangu is an ancient shrine built in 1627 in accordance with a divine oracle. It is the largest Hachiman shrine in Edo and is affectionately known as "Fukagawa Hachiman-sama," widely revered by the public. The shrine contains 17 subsidiary shrines, said to be very effective in blessing wealth, victory, and good relationships. The large festival event "Fukagawa Hachiman Matsuri," held annually on August 15th, is quite famous, and it is renowned as one of the three major festivals of Edo, alongside "Sannō Matsuri" at Akasaka Hie Shrine and "Kanda Matsuri" at Kanda Myojin. Particularly, the "Hon Matsuri," held once every three years, features over 50 large mikoshi (portable shrines) parading, creating a grand and spectacular scene. Tomioka Hachimangu is also recognized as the birthplace of "Kanjin Sumo," the precursor of modern sumo wrestling. It is said that sumo matches were held here for about 100 years starting from 1684. Consequently, there are many stone monuments related to sumo within the shrine, including the Yokozuna Rikishi Monument, the Ozeki Rikishi Monument, and monuments with the handprints and footprints of wrestlers. It is said that Inō Tadataka, who created Japan's first map, would always visit to pray before heading out for surveys. A bronze statue was later erected for him next to the large torii gate, and Tomioka Hachimangu is thus respected as a shrine that blesses safe travels. Additionally, there are many attractions within the shrine. The golden mikoshi, which stands 4.4 meters tall and weighs 4.5 tons, is the largest mikoshi in Japan. There is also a museum displaying antique postcards and photographs. The 1st, 15th, and 28th of each month are the shrine’s special days, when many food stalls gather near Monzen-Nakacho Station, making the area bustling and lively.

The largest Hachiman Shrine in Edo, to this day affectionately known as "Fukagawa Hachiman-sama." It is the shrine where one of Edo's three major festivals, the "Fukagawa Hachiman Matsuri," is held. It is the birthplace of the "kanjin sumo" (the precursor to modern sumo wrestling), and within the shrine, there are many stone monuments related to sumo. It houses Japan's largest golden mikoshi, standing 4.4 meters tall and weighing 4.5 tons.