“Konno Hachimangu Shrine”, located in Shibuya ward, Tokyo, is known as the guardian shrine both of Shibuya and Aoyama. It was established by Shibuya Shigeie, ancestor of the Shibuya clan, in 1092.
Kasugano Tsubone who was the nursing mother of Tokugawa Iemitsu, 3rd shogun of the Edo period, prayed here for his inauguration and peaceful reign. After that, she donated the shrine and a gate, called the “Shin gate” for the appreciation of the people.
The shrine is great and colorful with exotic animals such as tigers and tapirs painted on the walls. It is called “Gongen style” an example of a precious, early Edo period architectural style. It is believed to bring luck in many parts of life; success at work, financial, having a baby and even traffic safety.
Within the precinct are several smaller shrines; “Kagura den”, “Tamatsukuri Inari Shrine” and “Toyosaka Inari Shrine”. Toyosaka Inari Shrine in particular, next to the Konno Hachimangu Shrine, is very calm. There are many red gates, called “Torii”, toward the worship hall and it is fantastic! The Konno Hachimangu Shrine is big and I really like it since it is very beautiful.
There are many shopping malls at the center of Shibuya and it is known as very vibrant city in Tokyo. It is about 10 minute walk from JR Shibuya station and filled with nature and calm atmosphere. You might even forget that you are in Shibuya because the atmosphere is completely different. If you want to feel calm and relaxed, it is better to get there! You will definitely see the other side of Shibuya.
You can access Harajyuku, next to Shibuya station on JR Yamanote line, very easily. If you are interested in Japanese culture and like cute stuff, you should get there! You can buy many things such as cloths and some items which are called “Kawaii” in Japanese.
