About Asagaya Shinmeigu
Located in Asagaya within Tokyo’s Suginami Ward, this shrine is known for being the only place in Japan that offers a special purification ritual known as Hachinan-yoke, that wards off all eight different types of misfortunes that can befall one's life. The shrine is also famous for its attractively designed goshuin (temple or shrine stamps), which draw many visitors.
Origin
It is said that the legendary hero Yamato Takeru no Mikoto rested in the Asagaya area on his return from the Eastern Expedition. Moved by his valor, the local villagers later established a shrine in his honor. The shrine is believed to have been founded around the first year of the Kenkyu era (1190). When a local feudal leader journeyed to the Ise Grand Shrine, he received a divine revelation and brought back a sacred stone from the Miyagawa River, which is now enshrined as the shrine’s sacred object.
Enshrined Deity
The shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu-Omikami, the sun goddess and ancestral deity of the Imperial Family. She is revered as the supreme goddess who rules over Takamagahara, the heavenly realm where the gods reside. The main sanctuary enshrining Amaterasu-Omikami was not newly constructed, but rather relocated to its current site using hikiya, a technique in which an entire building is physically moved without dismantling it.
The subsidiary shrine within the precincts is constructed using timber from the former main sanctuary of Tenso Shrine, and enshrines Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto and Susanoo-no-Mikoto; deities whowere born from the primordial deity Izanagi-no-Mikoto, just like Amaterasu-Omikami.
History
Since its founding during the Kenkyu era, the shrine has long been revered as a place of deep faith by the local community.
In 2009, the shrine underwent major renovations, resulting in the construction of a newly designed shinmei-zukuri style main sanctuary and gate, and additions such as a hall for rituals and a Noh theater stage. The spacious grounds cover approximately 3,000 tsubo (about 9,900 square meters), making it one of the largest branch shrines of the Ise Grand Shrine within Tokyo. Despite being just a two-minute walk from JR Asagaya Station, the shrine grounds are filled with lush greenery, including towering chinquapin, oak, zelkova, and ginkgo trees, creating a tranquil atmosphere within the city.
Highlights
The shrine is the only one in Japan that performs the Hachinan-yoke Purification Ritual. While the common yakuyoke ritual protects individuals specifically during their unlucky years and the surrounding years, the Hachinan-yoke offered at Asagaya Shinmeigu removes all types of misfortune, including those arising from unlucky ages, bad directions or geomantic conditions, housing layout, disasters involving fire, water, or human causes, and even karmic influences. At the same time, visitors receive the divine protection and blessings of the enshrined deity, Amaterasu-Omikami.
The shrine’s official website provides a detailed chart of unlucky years, periods of directional misfortune, and ages considered vulnerable in terms of fortune, making it a helpful resource for anyone who wishes to check their current spiritual condition.
Special Goshuin-fu
The shrine is also known for its sophisticatedly designed goshuin and omamori amulets.
Asagaya Shinmeigu was one of the first shrines in Japan to introduce embroidered goshuin, which have now become more commonly seen. Its special goshuin-fu (special goshuin that are handed out as a separate paper item rather than a stamp), which is a traditional Japanese technique, feature delicate embroidery on Mino washi paper. Each design beautifully depicts seasonal plants, events, and motifs.
Some of these designs also feature layered paper-cut artwork, creating a beautiful sense of depth. Any one of them should become a precious memory of your travels.
For the latest information, please refer to the official website of Asagaya Shinmeigu (Japanese only).
Kami Musubi
The Kami-Musubi Lace Bracelet Charm, which can be tied to a bag or worn around the wrist, is a unique type of amulet trademarked by the Shinto Corporation of Shinmeigu. Every aspect, from the selection of thread, patterns, and backing cards to the final sacred production process is handled by the shrine’s own staff, reflecting a dedication to high-quality Japanese craftsmanship.
The designs often feature motifs of deities such as Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto and Susanoo-no-Mikoto, while limited-edition versions highlight seasonal themes like cherry blossoms, hydrangeas, or the Amanogawa (Milky Way). Their charming appearance has made them exceptionally popular among visitors.
Apple Leather Amulet
The shrine also offers amulets and goshuin cases made from apple leather, a sustainable bio-material created from apples that were originally planned to be discarded. This environmentally friendly material has a pleasantly soft texture and has been gaining considerable attention.
Their Official Instagram is A Must-See
In addition to the items introduced here, Asagaya Shinmeigu offers many other delightful blessings, including limited-edition Kami-Musubi bracelets and lace-embroidered charms. Information on these special items can be found on the shrine’s official website and social media channels.
Their official Instagram is especially recommended, as even those who do not understand Japanese can enjoy browsing the visual posts. However, many of the items offered are season-exclusive, so something seen on social media may not always be obtainable. If there’s an item that catches your eye, be sure to check in advance before your trip.
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