Outline of Suitengu
Suitengu was established as a branch shrine in Tokyo in 1818 by Yorinori Arima, a feudal lord of Kurume, and has been popular among many people ever since. The shrine is a branch of Suitengu, initially located in Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture, and serves as a god of safe childbirth and childbearing in the heart of Tokyo. The history of Suitengu is tied to the beliefs of the local people, and it remains an important cultural center that attracts many worshippers today.
Suitengu Shrine is primarily known as the god of easy childbirth and childbirth. The precincts are exceptionally crowded during the dog days when pregnant women visit the shrine to pray for safe delivery. Today, dogs are regarded as a symbol of safe childbirth because they give birth to many children. Special ceremonies and events are also held when many worshippers gather on this day, making it a unique experience for visitors.
Within the precincts of Suitengu Shrine is enshrined Ho-ho Benzaiten, one of the shrines in the "Nihonbashi Seven Deities of Good Luck Tour. This deity is believed to bring good luck in the arts, academics, and money; many seek his blessings. For artists and students, it is an important spot to pray for success, and a visit here will undoubtedly provide new inspiration.
History of Suitengu
The establishment of Suitengu dates back to the first year of Bunsei (1818). That year, Yorinori Arima, lord of the Kurume domain, asked for a branch spirit of Kurume Suitengu to be installed in the Arima domain residence in Mita-Akabane, Edo (present-day Tokyo). This was the beginning of Suitengu, which established its status as a shrine revered by successive lords of the Kurume domain. Suitengu Shrine came to be worshipped by many as a god of easy childbirth and childbearing.
Since the Edo period, the Suitengu Shrine has been widely known and believed in by many people, especially as a shrine for praying for easy childbirth. It has become an important place visited by pregnant women and those wishing to give birth to a child to pray for a safe delivery. At Suitengu, red seals, ema (votive picture tablet) with dog motifs, and a unique amulet called "Fujimori obi" are sold as popular symbols of fertility.
When the Arima residence moved to Aoyama in 1868, the Suitengu shrine was also moved to Aoyama. Later, in 1872, the shrine was moved to its current location in Nihonbashi-Kakigaracho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, where it remains. This location has become a popular spot visited by many people for prayers for safe delivery and childbirth and for various events such as Shichigosan (the seven-five-three festival) and Hatsumiya (the first shrine visit).
Origin of Suitengu Shrine
The legend of Suitengu Shrine began after the Battle of Dannoura. Ise, a courtesan in the service of Heike Emperor Antoku'sAntoku's mother, Takakura Taira no Chugu, who was defeated in the battle, escaped the flames of war and moved to Kyushu near the Chikugo River. She began to worship at the Suitengu Shrine in 1190, which became a place of worship for the people around her. The shrine would serve as a deity for easy childbirth and childbearing.
Suitengu Shrine was initially called "Nunomikazen Shrine." The female priestess, Ise, offered blessings and prayers to the people around her and gradually attracted a large number of devotees because of her miraculous power. Her faith became deeply rooted in the local people, and she came to be honored as "Nun Gozen." In this way, the shrine became an important place of worship in the community and established itself as a deity for safe childbirth and childbearing.
The descendants of the nuns carry on the history of Suitengu. Ise nurtured the children of the Heike lineage and then passed on the position of chief priestess from generation to generation. In particular, the 22nd chief priest, Izumi-Maki Maki, was a leader of the Kinno faction during the turbulent period at the end of the Edo period and is known as a forerunner of the Meiji Restoration. Thus, the operation of the shrine has a historical background, and the succession of faith continues.
Benefits of Suitengu Shrine
Suitengu Shrine is famous as a shrine for praying for safe delivery, and it is a place where pregnant women come to pray for safe delivery. Especially during the dog days, the shrine grounds are crowded with pregnant women who come to pray for a safe delivery. According to a legend from the Edo period (1603-1867), pregnant women could have an easy delivery by wrapping a bell cord as a belly band, and this belief continues to this day. The Suitengu Shrine'sShrine's amulet and baby belt are important for expectant mothers.
Prayers for the birth of a child are also widely offered at Suitengu. Many families visit the shrine to pray for the birth of a child. In particular, there is a statue of a "childbearing dog" in the shrine's precincts, and it is believed that patting its head will bring good luck in giving birth to a child. Such beliefs are important for pregnant women and all people who wish to have children.
Suitengu Shrine is believed to bring blessings for easy childbirth and childbearing, protection against disaster, and physical health. Worshippers often visit the shrine to pray for good health and to avoid disasters in their daily lives. In particular, there are "Koyasu no Ishi" (stone of child safety) and "Goshinsui" (holy water) within the shrine'sshrine's precincts, and it is believed that touching these items will help visitors to find peace of mind and body. These diverse benefits are a significant attraction for visitors.
Access Information
Access to Suitengu is very convenient. The nearest station is Suitengu-mae Station on the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line. After exiting the station from Exit No. 5 takes only one minute to reach the shrine grounds on foot. This proximity is a great advantage, especially for tourists, who can visit the shrine quickly, making it an easy stop on a busy schedule.
Other access options include Ningyocho Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line or the Toei Asakusa Subway Line. Ningyocho Station is about a 6-8 minute walk away, making it a good place to visit during a break from sightseeing. This route is an attractive option for tourists because it allows them to stroll around and enjoy the restaurants and stores in the area.
Access by car is also very convenient. Suitengu can be reached about 3 minutes from the Hamacho exit of the Metropolitan Expressway. Parking is available in the surrounding area, especially for large buses. This allows group tours and families to visit with ease, providing a pleasant sightseeing experience.
Food around Suitengu
The Suitengu area is home to the popular Japanese restaurant Tanagokoro Kayabacho. This restaurant offers authentic Japanese cuisine using seasonal ingredients and is especially popular for its sashimi and tempura. It is also recommended for tourists, as it offers a relaxed atmosphere in which to enjoy a leisurely meal. The restaurant'srestaurant's interior has a Japanese taste and is friendly to foreign tourists.
For ramen lovers, "Menya Rakuraku" is especially recommended. This restaurant boasts rich tonkatsu (pork bone) ramen and the broth is well-flavored. The topping of chashu pork is incredibly tender and satisfying. The restaurant's casual atmosphere makes it easy for foreign tourists to stop by. It is the perfect place to experience Japanese food culture through ramen.
Lastly, there is Bistro Elle, where you can enjoy French cuisine. This stylish restaurant offers a wide selection of wines along with sophisticated cuisine. In particular, the seasonal special menu offers creative dishes that make the most of local ingredients. It is a perfect place for a date or a special occasion dinner and is also popular among foreign tourists.
Nearby Sightseeing Spots
The Art Aquarium Museum is a popular tourist attraction in Tokyo's heart that exhibits unique underwater art. The artwork is fused with colorful fish tanks to create a fantastical space. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the art and the creatures simultaneously, and the nighttime lighting is especially spectacular. Art-related workshops and events are also held regularly in the museum, providing new experiences for visitors.
Amazake Yokocho is a street with an old-fashioned atmosphere and a great place to eat and drink. Here, tourists can experience Japanese food culture through small stores offering traditional Japanese sweets and local specialties. In particular, stalls offering amazake (sweet sake), oden (oden), and fried foods are attractive options for visitors. Amazake Yokocho is also close to Suitengu Shrine, making it a perfect place to stop after visiting the shrine.
Tsukiji Market is popular with foreign tourists who want to enjoy fresh seafood. Inside the market, visitors can taste fresh seafood such as sushi and sashimi on the spot, providing an excellent opportunity to experience food culture. The Tsukiji Outside Market also has many restaurants and souvenir stores where tourists can enjoy Japanese food and cuisine easily. In particular, it is worth getting up early in the morning to visit the market to enjoy the fresh ingredients.
