Ueno Toshogu Shrine (in Tokyo) – Introducing Goshuin Information, Blessings, and History!!

What is Ueno Toshogu Shrine?

Ueno Tōshōgū, located within Ueno Park, enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu as a deity, and is said to offer blessings for success, victory, and longevity in health. As one of the most renowned power spots in Tokyo, it has attracted many visitors from the Edo period to the present day. In addition to Tokugawa Ieyasu, Yoshimune and Keiki are also enshrined here.

Blessings and Deities

Ueno Tōshōgū is a shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu (Tōshō Daigongen). In addition, Tokugawa Yoshimune and Tokugawa Yoshinobu are also enshrined here

History

・In 1625, following the will of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the monk Tenkai established Tōeizan Kan’ei-ji Temple, and the shrine known as “Tōshōsha,” built within its grounds, marked the beginning of Ueno Tōshōgū.

・The current shrine building was reconstructed in 1651 by Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third shogun, and it is said to have been built for the people of Edo to worship.

・Ueno Tōshōgū is a shrine blessed with good fortune, having survived many disasters. It was untouched by the flames of the Boshin War in Ueno, remained standing through the Great Kanto Earthquake, and even during World War II, a bomb dropped right behind the shrine failed to detonate. Despite these challenges, it has endured to this day.

Access to Ueno Toshogu Shrine

Ueno Toshogu Shrine‘s Goshuin

This is the goshuin (temple seal) from Ueno Tōshōgū! There are three types: the simple goshuin mentioned above, one with an illustration of a tanuki (raccoon dog), and a limited-edition, open-style goshuin.

There is also a wide variety of omamori (charms)!
The office where you can receive the goshuin is located immediately on the left after your visit.

Visiting Report on Ueno Toshogu Shrine！！

Kaguraden(Sacred Dance Hall)

It was donated by the Fukagawa Kiba Union in 1874. Traditional performing arts, such as shinto kagura and biwa, are offered here. It is said that the beauty of the roof was considered the finest in the Tokyo area at the time of its establishment.

Oishi Torii (Large Stone Torii Gate)

It is a torii gate designated as an Important Cultural Property. It is so sturdy that it did not tilt even during the Great Kanto Earthquake, which was quite astonishing at the time.

Guardian Lion-Dogs

These are the guardian lion-dogs of Ueno Tōshōgū. They are said to be the work of Sakai Hachiuemon, one of the three great stone masons. One lion-dog has its mouth open, while the other has its mouth closed. This pair represents ‘Aun’ (the sound of breathing in and out) and serves as a talisman against evil.

Summary

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