Holly's Reviews Page 3/3

Kishimojin-do

Kishimojin-do is a temple that worships “Shiboshin,” a god for safe childbirth and also child rearing. The line of zelkova trees along the path that leads to the temple from the Kishibojinmae stop is designated as one of Tokyo’s natural monuments. A must-see within the temple’s grounds is a huge gingko tree approximately 700 years old.

• Ikebukuro
• Shrines & Temples

I mainly came for the Zoshigaya Handmade Market, which is held at Kishimojin-do and Otori Shrine. All the items are sold directly by the creators, with none of those wholesale-type goods. Walking around feels like visiting a lifestyle craft exhibition, and every stall has its own personality.

I have to say, the old temple buildings, the thousand-year-old ginkgo tree, and the artisan booths come together to create a truly unique scene. On market days, Kishimojin-do has a completely different atmosphere from its usual day-to-day look.

Hidden within the grounds is Kamikawaguchiya, an old-fashioned candy shop founded in 1781. You can also try the limited-edition grilled dango from Habutae Dango at Daikokudo. Aside from market days, this dango is only available on weekends. If you happen to come across it, I highly recommend giving it a try.

Toraya Akasaka Branch

Founded in Kyoto during the late Muromachi period, Toraya expanded to Tokyo in 1869, following the capital's move from Kyoto to Tokyo. Although the Kyoto shop continued its operations, Toraya established its presence in Akasaka, Tokyo from 1879. In 1964, they relocated to their current location, and in 2018, the entire store underwent a renovation and celebrated its grand reopening.

• Akasaka, Roppongi, Azabu-Juban
• Sweets Shop & Desserts Shop

Toraya was founded in Kyoto and once served as a confectioner to the Imperial Palace. Their signature items are definitely the yokan and red bean paste.

The Akasaka branch has a warm, open atmosphere, with a low-rise building, large glass windows, and a wood-toned interior. It really elevates the whole wagashi experience.

For wagashi lovers, if you have the time to come here, you absolutely should. Try the seasonal flavors. My only regret is that my stomach wasn’t big enough to order everything.

Susano Shrine

Established in 795 during the Heian period, this venerable shrine has the largest parish area in the Arakawa district and continues to garner deep respect from the locals. The shrine is dedicated to the brave deity "Susano-Okami," who vanquished the serpent Yamata-no-Orochi, and "Asuka-Okami," revered as "Ebisu-sama" and associated with the prosperity of commerce and thriving businesses.

• Ueno, Nippori
• Shrines & Temples

Susano Shrine is located in a residential area of Minami-Senju. My hotel happened to be nearby, so I discovered it by chance.
In spring, the shrine displays hina dolls donated by local residents. With the peach blossoms and the shrine buildings in the background, it’s not huge, but you can really feel the local festival atmosphere.
Since I was short on time, I arrived a little too early, around after 9, but luckily I still got to see some of it. I felt very fortunate.

Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin

Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin is the official Tokyo branch of Toyokawa Inari, one of Japan’s three major Inari temples, originally located in Toyokawa City, Aichi Prefecture. While "Inari" typically refers to a Shinto shrine dedicated to fox spirits, Toyokawa Inari is actually a Soto Zen Buddhist temple formally named Toyokawakaku Myogonji, and its Tokyo Betsuin is likewise a Buddhist temple-not a shrine.

• Akasaka, Roppongi, Azabu-Juban
• Shrines & Temples

Although Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin has “Inari” in its name, it’s actually a Buddhist temple known for prayers related to good fortune, career luck, and popularity. It’s said that many Japanese entertainers come here to pray as well.
There are lots of fox statues throughout the grounds. At Yuzu Inari, you can receive a 10-yen coin, which feels a bit like Taiwan’s “money mother” good-luck coin. I saw several Japanese visitors returning to give thanks, and I hope I’ll be able to do the same next time.
Also, their little fox figurines are round and adorable! You can take one home for just 500 yen. The temple even thoughtfully has a coin exchange machine, making it easy for everyone to get change and bring a little fox home. So considerate!

Hanazono Shrine

From long ago, the shrine located here has held an important Shinto deity for all of Shinjuku. It exists quietly among the shopping malls and eateries lining Shinjuku's downtown streets.

• Shinjuku, Okubo, Yoyogi, Yotsuya
• Shrines & Temples

Hanazono Shrine is located in the busy Shinjuku area. The shrine’s vivid red color looked striking in the sunlight, and as someone seeing it for the first time, it made a strong visual impression. The fallen ginkgo leaves in autumn added even more depth to the scene.

I came this time for the open-air market held every Sunday morning. It isn’t a large market, but it has a nice mix of Showa-era vintage items and everyday goods. There were quite a few Western visitors here as well. It’s a good spot for anyone who enjoys slowly hunting for finds in a relaxed atmosphere.

Gotokuji Temple

A Soto school temple situated in Setagaya ward and the birthplace of Manekineko. In 1480, Masatada Kira, a lord of Setagaya, established a temple called Kotokuin, in 1659, the temple’s name was changed to Gotokuji.

• Jiyugaoka, Sangenjaya, Setagaya, Futako-Tamagawa
• Shrines & Temples

The lucky cats at Gotokuji Temple are actually only in the Manekineko Hall. In other areas of the temple, you can have fun looking for hidden cats here and there. The hall is packed with tons of lucky cats, so I was a little worried it might feel overwhelming, but it was much better than I expected. I came especially early because I wanted to buy a lucky cat, but unfortunately they were already sold out. Instead, I took the ginkgo trees next to the hall and the cat sunbathing nearby as unexpected little highlights of this visit.

Imado Shrine

This ancient shrine of authentic lineage is known for bringing blessings in matchmaking because the deities worshipped here are 'Izanagi-no-Mikoto' and 'Izanami-no-Mikoto', considered the first couple in Japan. Since 2008, the shrine has regularly held 'matchmaking meetings', thus becoming more widely known as a shrine where you can pray for a good match. It attracts crowds not only on weekends but also on weekdays from those hoping for a successful relationship.

• Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree
• Shrines & Temples

Although it’s a bit of a walk from Senso-ji Temple, luckily my hotel was nearby. I rushed over to Imado Shrine and made it about ten minutes before the shrine office closed, so I was able to buy a lucky cat charm and a small ceramic cat for praying for my wish to be fulfilled.
Unfortunately, the ginkgo tree I had seen in map reviews was already past its peak. I missed the scene of the ginkgo leaves, ema plaques, and rickshaws all together, so I’ll have to plan another visit next time.