Suginami City, only 10 minutes by train from Shinjuku! Go where the Japanese go after a hard day’s work
The number of travelers who would rather experience the daily lives of the locals—as opposed to hitting up tourist attractions—is on the rise!
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Weather Shrine
The only one in Japan! A shrine dedicated to praying for good weather, leaving you feeling bright and clear.
In Japan, there is only one shrine dedicated to praying for the weather. The annual festival (Weather Festival) is held in line with "Meteorological Memorial Day" on June 1st, marking the day Japan's first meteorological station was established.
The shrine venerates "Yagokoro-Omoikane no mikoto" from ancient myths, who is said to have retrieved the "Sun" when the world was engulfed in darkness, embodying the belief that "praying for the weather means cherishing each day," and thus, it has garnered profound reverence.
The shrine's origins trace back to 1944, constructed by the Imperial Japanese Army's meteorological department. It served as a spiritual haven for forecasters committed to scientifically grounded predictions. However, following the defeat in the war, it was relocated to Hikawa Shrine in Koenji, and after 55 years, in 2003, the shrine was rebuilt due to the aging structure.
When visiting, make sure to stop by the shrine office to receive offerings. Among them, the "Hare-mamori" (weather amulet), prayed for clear skies to bring a sunny disposition, along with other weather-themed motifs & designed items, are perfect gifts for loved ones.
Highlights
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Japan's only shrine dedicated to praying for the weather, holding its annual Weather Festival on June 1st, "Meteorological Memorial Day."
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Originated in 1944, constructed by the Imperial Japanese Army's meteorological department.
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Offers "Hare-mamori" and other weather-themed motif & designed offerings.
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Home to a stone statue of "Mike-san," a calico cat that lived at the Weather Shrine for many years.
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The shrine grounds feature a weather observation instrument (certified by the ・Japan Meteorological Agency), displaying temperature, wind speed, and more on an electronic board.
Photos
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![The shrine hall stands within the precincts of Hikawa Shrine in Koenji.]()
The shrine hall stands within the precincts of Hikawa Shrine in Koenji.
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![Enshrines the well-known weather deity, "Yagokoro Omoinokami."]()
Enshrines the well-known weather deity, "Yagokoro Omoinokami."
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![Offers various weather-related prayers by appointment.]()
Offers various weather-related prayers by appointment.
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![The "Hare-mamori" features a cute sun design.]()
The "Hare-mamori" features a cute sun design.
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![A traditional Japanese custom for wishing for sunny weather, the teru-teru bozu-shaped omikuji.]()
A traditional Japanese custom for wishing for sunny weather, the teru-teru bozu-shaped omikuji.
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![Praying before the talisman can uplift one's spirits to a sunny disposition.]()
Praying before the talisman can uplift one's spirits to a sunny disposition.
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have pamphlets in other languages? (If so, please also inform us of the supported languages)
A
Sorry, we don’t.
Q
Is there a Goshuin (shrine seal)?
A
Yes. There are two types: Hikawa Shrine and Weather Shrine, each with a different design every month.
https://koenji-hikawa.com/topic_category/design/
Q
Is parking available?
A
Yes. Parking is available within the shrine grounds, past the torii gate.
Q
Are coin lockers available?
A
Not available.
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Details
- Name in Japanese
- 気象神社
- Postal Code
- 166-0003
- Address
- 4-44-19 Koenji-Minami, Suginami-ku, Tokyo
- Telephone
- 03-3314-4147
- Closed
- Open every day (Shrine office is irregular holidays)
- Business Hours
- Early morning - 5:00pm (Shrine gates open hour), 9:00am - 4:00pm (Shrine Office Hours)
- Admission
- Free
- Access
- About 2 minutes walk from JR Chuo Line and Sobu Line’s Koenji Station.
- Credit Cards
- Not accepted
- Official Website
- Official Website (English)