Suitengu Shrine(Tokyo) – Introducing Goshuin Information, Blessings, and History!!

What is Suitengu Shrine?

Located just a short walk from Suitengumae Station in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, Suitengu Shrine is a prominent site for prayers related to safe childbirth and fertility. It is also popular for traditional ceremonies such as the first baby visit (初宮詣, hatsumiyamairi) and Shichi-Go-San (七五三, a festival for children aged 3, 5, and 7). The modern and beautifully maintained grounds of the shrine attract large crowds, especially on auspicious days like Inuhō (犬の日, the day associated with the dog in the lunar calendar) and Taian (大安, an auspicious day in the traditional Japanese calendar). Additionally, Suitengu Shrine is well-known as one of the stops on the Nihonbashi Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage, where it is associated with Benzaiten (弁財天), the goddess of music and arts.

Blessings and Deities

At Suitengu Shrine, four deities are enshrined, including **Ame-no-Minaka-nushi-no-Mikoto** (天御中主大神).

History

・In the Edo period, the 2nd lord of the Kurume Domain, the Arima family, donated a vast amount of land and constructed the shrine building at Suitengu, which was then known as “Nii-gozen Daimyojin.” The origin of Suitengu in this location began when a spirit from the main shrine (Fukuoka Prefecture, Kurume City) was enshrined at the Akabane Bridge residence. The shrine became famous for its benefits in childbirth and was greatly cherished by the common people from the Edo period.
・Later, in 1871, the shrine was relocated to Akasaka, and in 1878, it moved to its current location in Nihonbashi, Kakigaracho.
・In 2018, as part of the “Edo Shrine 200th Anniversary Project,” the shrine building and the assembly hall were rebuilt, transforming into modern structures incorporating seismic isolation technology.

Access to Suitengu Shrine

Suitengu Shrine’s Goshuin

At Suitengu Shrine, you can receive a variety of Shuin, including a simple design and one adorned with a cute dog, which symbolizes fertility. Additionally, you can also obtain the Shuin for the Seven Lucky Gods of Nihonbashi (Benzaiten).

The office where you can receive the Shuin is located on the right side after your visit.

Visiting Report on Suitengu Shrine！！

Childbirth Dog

To the left of the main shrine, you will find a charming statue of a parent and child dog. Around the statue are inscriptions of the twelve zodiac animals. It is believed that by rubbing the zodiac sign corresponding to your birth year, you can receive various blessings such as safe childbirth, fertility, and the healthy growth of children.

Anzan Kosodate Kappa

The baby kappa clinging to its parent in this statue is incredibly cute. This parent-child kappa statue is not only a representation of the kappa, which is considered a messenger of the deities at Suitengu, but it is also believed to bring blessings for safe childbirth.

Komainu

These are the guardian lion statues at Suitengu Shrine. One of them has its mouth open and is guarding a ball with its front paws, while the other has its mouth closed and is protecting a puppy. This pair of guardian lions represents the “Ah-Un” (beginning and end) sounds, symbolizing the exhale and inhale of breath, and they serve as protection against evil spirits.

The Nihonbashi Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage

Suitengu Shrine is also known as one of the Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage sites in Nihonbashi and is dedicated to Benzaiten, the goddess of music and wisdom. During the New Year period, you can receive a special colored paper related to the Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage.

Summary

Thank you for reading.
Please do visit the charming Suitengu Shrine!