About Takagi Shrine
Located in Tokyo’s Sumida Ward, this shrine is revered for bringing good fortune in business. In recent years, collaborations with popular manga titles and its cute rice-ball character mascot have boosted its popularity, even attracting visitors from afar.
Origin
The shrine is said to have been founded in 1468, during the Onin era, and originally served as the protective guardian shrine for Terashima Shinden, an area located in what is now northern Sumida Ward. Today, it continues to be cherished by the community, offering a wide range of ceremonies and blessings such as Shichi-Go-San celebrations (celebration for the growth and well-being of children), success in examinations, land-purifying rituals, and even weddings.
Enshrined Deity
The enshrined deity, Takamimusubi-no-Kami, is regarded as one of the supreme gods who emerged at the time of Tenchi Kaibyaku (the creation of the world) according to the Kojiki, Japan’s oldest written chronicle and a historical text containing the nation’s mythology. The term “musubi” signifies creation and generation, and it is said that Takamimusubi-no-Kami forms a divine pair with Kamimusubi-no-Kami, another deity who appeared during the world’s birth. Together, they symbolize the harmonious union of masculine and feminine creative forces.
Takamimusubi-no-Kami is also said to have demonstrated great political wisdom in Japanese mythology. Before Emperor Jimmu (Japan’s first emperor) ascended the throne, the deity appeared to him in a dream and offered guidance for the Jinmu Tosei, the legendary Eastern Expedition. Takamimusubi-no-Kami likewise advised Ninigi-no-Mikoto during the Tenson Korin, the divine descent to earth of the imperial ancestors.
As a guiding presence to Amaterasu-Omikami, the supreme deity of Takamagahara, Takamimusubi-no-Kami is regarded as a god who leads and supports the divine order. The deity is believed to bestow blessings such as the creation and growth of all things, the fulfillment of heartfelt wishes, successful negotiations and relationships, abundant harvests, and harmonious bonds.
History
The shrine was once known as Rokuten-sha (Shrine of the Sixth Heaven). However, during the Meiji era reforms involving the separation of Shinto and Buddhism (Shinbutsu Bunri), its name was changed to Takagi Shrine, derived from Takagi-no-Ki, an alternative name of its enshrined deity Takamimusubi-no-Kami. In 1967, the shrine’s main sanctuary was reconstructed using reinforced concrete. This was followed by a grand 500th anniversary celebration in 1968, and later, the 550th anniversary memorial festival held in 2018.
In recent years, the shrine has collaborated with popular media, including the anime Teasing Master Takagi-san, further boosting its popularity as an open and welcoming place for visitors of all ages.
Highlights
Within the shrine grounds stands a giant camphor tree believed to grant long life and the fulfillment of wishes. Many visitors place their hands upon its trunk and quietly offer their prayers. In May and June, the tree blossoms beautifully, offering visitors a delightful sight.
The Monument of the Yamatama Mukojima Kosha represents one of the Fujiko; religious groups devoted to the worship of Mount Fuji, that once existed in the Mukojima area. As an important symbol of the historical connection between faith and the Sumida area, it has been designated a Registered Cultural Property of Sumida Ward. The shrine grounds also feature a popular Tokyo Skytree photo spot. From between the main sanctuary and the surrounding greenery, visitors can enjoy a picturesque view of the iconic tower and capture atmospheric photos unique to the shrine.
Inspired by the name of the enshrined deity, Takamimusubi-no-Kami, the shrine offers various amulets, ema (wooden votive plaques), and goshuin stamp books featuring a cute omusubi (another word for rice ball) motif. Once a month, a special Omusubi Goshuin stamped with a rice ball design is made available. In addition, the shrine regularly offers limited-edition designs that reflect seasonal events and festivities, including clear-style goshuin with unique transparent details.
Collaboration with Teasing Master Takagi-san
Additionally, Takagi Shrine has collaborated with the anime Teasing Master Takagi-san, based on the manga of the same name. These collaborations have included life-size character panels, as well as exclusive amulets, goshuin stamp books, and special goshuin designs.
Some items feature exclusive designs, such as Takagi-san dressed in a miko (shrine maiden) outfit that can only be obtained here. For fans of the series, these are irresistible collectibles.
You can check the lineup and designs of the distributed items on the dedicated page on Takagi Shrine's official website.
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