Koami Shrine (Nihonbashi) – Introducing Goshuin Information, Blessings, and History!!

What is Koami Shrine?

Koami Shrine, located just a short walk from Ningyocho Station in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, has recently gained attention as the “God of Good Fortune and Protection from Evil.” The shrine is bustling with many visitors on weekends. It is also known as the “Tokyo Zeniarai Benten,” where washing money in the Zeniarai (coin washing) well is believed to bring good financial luck. Additionally, Koami Shrine is famous as one of the stops on the Nihonbashi Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage, representing Fukurokuju.

Every November, during the Doburoku Festival, visitors can enjoy doburoku (unrefined sake) made from the year’s new harvest. The festival also features the sacred “Satokagura Dance,” a performance recognized as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property by the government.

Blessings and Deities

At Koami Shrine, the deity of abundant harvests, “Kuraokami no Kami” (倉稲魂神), is enshrined. Additionally, the shrine also venerates Ichikishimahime no Kami (市杵島比賣神), the deity originating from Benzaiten enshrined at Manpukuju-ji Temple, which was located within the same precincts as Koami Shrine. Furthermore, as part of the Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage, Koami Shrine also enshrines “Fukurokuju” (福禄寿).

History

• According to the shrine’s tradition, in the first year of Bunshō (1466), the Inari deity was enshrined, marking the founding of the Inari Taisha Shrine, and it has since been revered as the deity for calming epidemics.
• During the wartime, Koami Shrine miraculously survived the Tokyo air raids unscathed, and all soldiers who went to war with the shrine’s amulets returned safely. This led to its reputation as the “God of Strong Fortune and Protection from Evil.”

Access to Koami Shrine

Koami Shrine’s Goshuin

 

This is the Goshuin of Koami Shrine! It prominently features the characters symbolizing its fame as the ‘God of Strong Fortune and Protection from Evil.’ Additionally, you can also receive the Goshuin of Nihonbashi’s Seven Lucky Gods (Fukurokuju).

The office where you can receive Goshuin is located to the left after visiting. There are various types of amulets and Goshuin available.

Visiting Report on Koami Shrine！！

Passing through the torii gate, let’s begin our visit!!

Let’s purify ourselves at the cyouzuya (water ablution pavilion) before starting the visit!

There was a statue of Fukurokuju. Known as the deity of health and longevity, Fukurokuju is revered for these qualities. Let’s offer a prayer in front of the statue.

At Koami Shrine, there is a place called “Tokyo Zeniarai Benten,” where you can cleanse money by putting it into a sieve. It is believed that by purifying money here, you can improve your financial luck!

Summary

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