Granite and Tokyo Tour Series 2025 No.10 Tokyo Ichoga-oka Hachiman Shrine
Ichoga-oka Hachiman Shrine — A Millennium of Faith in Asakusabashi
On September 12, 2025, I visited Ichoga-oka Hachiman Shrine (also called Ginkgo Tree Hill Hachiman Shrine) in Asakusabashi, Tokyo. Nestled quietly among the lively streets, this shrine has protected the community for nearly a thousand years. Its name comes from the great ginkgo tree that once stood within its grounds, long cherished as a local landmark.
History and Deity
The shrine was founded in 1062 CE. It enshrines Emperor Ōjin (Hondawake-no-Mikoto), widely worshipped as Hachiman, the god of protection, safe childbirth, and warding off misfortune. Japan has about 80,000 shrines nationwide, among which around 4,400 are Hachiman shrines. Ichoga-oka Hachiman Shrine is one of them, and for nearly a millennium, it has supported the everyday life and prayers of local people.
Stone foxes and the shrine grounds
Stone lanterns and guardian lion statues line the grounds, embodying centuries of uninterrupted faith. Inari is also enshrined here, complete with two stone fox statues. As its name suggests, "Ginkgo Hill" evokes rows of ginkgo trees. The changing autumn leaves adorn the shrine, welcoming visitors year-round.
Trials and Reconstruction
The shrine was damaged during the Great Kanto Earthquake (1923) and the bombings of World War II (1945). Each time, it was rebuilt. The current main hall is a postwar concrete structure, once again serving as a spiritual guardian for the community.
Faith Rooted in Everyday Life
Across Japan, with around 80,000 shrines, many are deeply tied to local communities, carrying traditions through generations. Ichoga-oka Hachiman Shrine is one of these living shrines, continuing for nearly 1,000 years as a place of prayer and protection in Asakusabashi.
At a Glance — Ichoga-oka Hachiman Shrine
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Ichoga-oka Hachiman Shrine (Ginkgo Tree Hill Hachiman Shrine) |
| Location | Asakusabashi, Taito-ku, Tokyo |
| Deity | Emperor Ōjin (Hondawake-no-Mikoto, Hachiman) |
| Founded | 1062 CE |
| Shrine Lineage | One of about 4,400 Hachiman shrines nationwide |
| Key Events | Destroyed in the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake and 1945 air raids, later rebuilt |
| Current Main Hall | Concrete structure, postwar reconstruction |
| Features | Stone lanterns, guardian dogs, and seasonal ginkgo trees |
| Role | Prayers for safe childbirth, warding off misfortune, protection in daily life |
| Historical Significance | Has supported community life and faith for nearly 1,000 years |
Stone Animals – Crafted with Soul by Japanese Stonemasons
More than 1000 stone statues of foxes