About Kisho Shrine
Kisho Shrine (Weather Shrine) is Japan’s only shrine dedicated to weather. It is attached to Hikawa Shrine in Koenji, Tokyo. Many people visit to pray for good weather on important days or for success in obtaining the weather forecaster certification.
It also became well known as a pilgrimage spot for fans of the film Weathering With You (Tenki-no-Ko), drawing even more visitors.
Deity of the Kisho Shrine
The enshrined deity is Yagokoro Omoikane no Mikoto.
The name “Yagokoro” expresses the ability to consider things from many different perspectives, while “Omoikane” suggests the capacity to handle multiple matters at once. Together, the name reflects a deity known as a god of wisdom and insight.
It was also Yagokoro Omoikane no Mikoto who provided the wisdom needed to bring Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess, out of hiding when she concealed herself in the Heavenly Rock Cave. Because this act restored the sun and saved the world, Yagokoro Omoikane no Mikoto came to be worshipped as a deity of weather as well.
As the name “Yagokoro” (eightfold wisdom) suggests, the deity is also said to preside over eight weather conditions: clear skies, clouds, rain, snow, lightning, wind, frost, and fog.
History of Kisho Shrine
It was originally founded in Showa 19 (1944) within the grounds of the Meteorological Department of the Imperial Japanese Army. Because weather conditions were a crucial factor in military strategy, forecasts were made based on scientific data. Even so, the Weather Shrine is said to have served as a source of emotional support for the meteorological officers, who would visit to pray for accurate forecasts.
After the war, it was supposed to be removed following the Shinto Directive issued by the GHQ, which prohibited state support of Shinto and the deification of the Emperor. However, it was preserved and later transferred to Hikawa Shrine in Koenji by the shrine’s former chief priest.
Highlights of Kisho Shrine
Although it is a small shrine within the grounds of Hikawa Shrine, it features unique, weather-themed elements throughout, such as a display that shows the day’s temperature and humidity, and a traditional Stevenson screen.
As Japan’s only shrine dedicated to weather, it stands out for offering weather-themed omamori (amulets) and ema (votive tablets).
Amulets
The Hare-mamori, embroidered with a sun motif, is said to bring clear skies on days when you absolutely want good weather, making it especially popular. There are also charms and omikuji shaped like the teru-teru bozu, traditional Japanese dolls hung outside to wish for sunny weather. Their cute design makes them a favorite among visitors.
Geta-Ema
Japan also has a traditional form of weather fortune-telling in which you kick a geta sandal into the air while chanting “Ashita tenki ni nare!” (“Let tomorrow be sunny!”). The way the geta lands is used to predict the next day’s weather. Drawing from this custom, the shrine’s ema are shaped like geta.
Wishing for safe travels and good weather by writing on one of these geta- ema, inspired by an ancient Japanese charm, could be a charming activity.
Adorable Cat Statue
Statue of Mike-san, loved at the shrine / Photo AC
There is also a statue of Mike-san, a calico cat that lived in the grounds of Hikawa Shrine and the Kisho Shrine. Mike-san, who quietly watched over the shrine without approaching people or other cats during her lifetime, became a symbol of the shrines, and you can receive omamori modeled after her.
Famous as a Pilgrimage Spot For The Film Weathering With You
In Makoto Shinkai’s animated film Weathering With You, there is a scene in which the characters visit the shrine to research the legend of the Weather Maiden.
Unlike the Kisho Shrine depicted in the movie, the dragon ceiling painting does not exist in real life, but the rows of geta-ema are present.
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