Shinagawa Shrine in Photos
Shinagawa Shrine will take your breath away, literally. You need to climb a huge staircase to enter it. After that is the history, stunning architecture, and a miniature Mount Fuji. This spot offers a unique slice of Tokyo’s cultural and scenic beauty. Ready to capture it with your camera? Let’s dive in!
It is a good place for photographers. I wouldn’t place it up there with Meiji Jingu or Nezu, but it is attractive and impressive. A few minor things might bother people, but it is a good place. Well, it is a good place once you conquer that massive staircase at the entrance!
Today the shrine is one of the hundred scenic spots in Shinagawa Ward. It is also on the pilgrimage trail for the Tokai seven deities of good luck. If you have a camera, you might want to drop in and see it.
A Brief History of Shinagawa Shrine
- Minamoto no Yoritomo built it in 1187. In it, he enshrined the deity Sunosaki Myojin. Sunosaki Myojin’s primary duty was to look after maritime traffic.
- In 1600, Ieyasu Tokugawa worshiped there on his way to the Battle of Sekigahara.
- When Ieyasu returned from a victorious campaign, he presented the shrine with a mask. It was said to have the power to cure health problems.
- Emperor Meiji appointed ten shrines, including Shinagawa, to symbolize the new era. It was designated as “Tokyo Jissha” (10 shrines to protect the city).
- In 1964, the shrine was rebuilt.
- A lot of things have happened at this shrine over the years. It is one of the most historical in Tokyo. For history buffs, Shinagawa Jinja needs to be on their bucket list.
What to photograph at Shinagawa Shrine?
- It has the typical Japanese shrine architecture.
- Fox and komainu (guardian dog) statues
- Lots of religious icons
- Torii gates
- There is a replica of Mount Fuji, a small one, of course. The rocks that cover it come from the sacred mountain.
- Shrine events (I haven’t attended any yet).
Photography problems
- The courtyard is dirt, which isn’t attractive.
- It isn’t as large as Meiji or Hie.
- The staircase to the top of the shrine is long and steep. Not a photography problem, I know! Still, some of us need that information for old knees (like mine).
Where is Shinagawa Shrine?
Address: 3-7-15 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa City, Tokyo
Here it is on a Google map:
Closest train station:
Shimbamba on the Keikyu Main Line.
Opening hours:
The shrine office is open from 9 AM to 5 PM
Admission costs:
None
Conclusion
It was my first time visiting Shinagawa Shrine, so I wasn’t fully prepared. Still, I was impressed. One day I will return to discover more. When I do, I’ll post that information and pictures here. Don’t worry; you’ll be the first to know!
I’m not sure when that will happen, though. It is high on my list of priorities, as the sky in these pictures looks grey and drab. A little blue makes things better, don’t you agree?
If you know anything about this place, please share what you know! Leave questions and comments below.
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and plans to capture the entire city.
For more shrine articles, look at:
External related websites:
Shinagawa Shrine (official website)