Tokyo Daijingu

Tokyo Daijingu: The "Ise Shrine of Tokyo" Located in the City Center
**History and Significance**
Tokyo Daijingu was established in 1880 (Meiji 13) under the imperial decree of Emperor Meiji as a worship hall for Ise Jingu. Initially, it was located in Hibiya, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, and was known as "Hibiya Daijingu."
After the Great Kanto Earthquake (1923), it moved to its current location in Iidabashi (Fuji Misaki, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo) in 1930 (Showa 5). During this time, it was referred to as "Iidabashi Daijingu," and later in the post-war era, its name was changed to the current "Tokyo Daijingu."

Tokyo Daijingu has been a cherished place for the common people of the Edo period, allowing them to fulfill their lifelong desire of visiting Ise, referred to as the "Ise pilgrimage," right in the city, and is still respected by many people today as the "Ise Shrine of Tokyo."

**Deities Enshrined**
Tokyo Daijingu enshrines the following deities:

- **Deities of Ise Jingu**
Amaterasu Omikami: The chief deity of the Ise Jingu Naiku and the deity of all Japanese people.
Toyouke Omikami: The chief deity of agriculture, food, housing, and industries at the Ise Jingu Geku.
Yamato Hime no Mikoto: The divine messenger of Amaterasu Omikami, associated with the founding of the shrine.

- **Three Creation Deities (Deities of Unification)**
Amenominakanushi no Kami
Takamimusubi no Kami
Kamimusubi no Kami

These deities govern the creation and generation of all things and are revered as "deities of marriage."

**The Birthplace of Weddings in Front of the Shrine**
Tokyo Daijingu is also known as the shrine where Japan's first wedding ceremony in front of the shrine was held in 1900 (Meiji 33). This traditional ceremony is still solemnly conducted by priests, priestesses, and musicians, and remains a popular venue for prestigious weddings.

The adjacent "Matsuya Salon" is widely recognized as a venue for shrine weddings, where many couples continue to make their eternal vows.

**Popular Power Spot for Relationships**
Tokyo Daijingu holds significant popularity as a "shrine for romantic fulfillment" and a "power spot for relationship blessings," especially among young women seeking good relationships and love.

The shrine grounds offer "enmusubi amulets," "love omikuji," and "monthly flower prayer ema," providing visitors with enjoyable ways to seek blessings. It offers a tranquil "sacred forest" atmosphere that seems far from the urban bustle, allowing visitors to calm their minds and pray.

**Sub-shrine: Iitomi Inari Shrine**
Within the grounds of Tokyo Daijingu is the old sub-shrine known as "Iitomi Inari Shrine."
The chief deities are:
- Inari Omikami
- Ootokonushi no Kami

This shrine is known for its divine virtues as a guardian of livelihoods, business prosperity, and family well-being, and is also recognized as a shrine for the performing arts. There are anecdotes that even the ninth generation of Ichikawa Danjuro prayed here, and many in the performing arts community visit.

**Benefits and Beliefs**
The divine virtues of Tokyo Daijingu extend beyond relationship blessings to encompass a wide range, including:
- Achieving good relationships and love
- Family safety
- Business prosperity
- Good fortune and warding off bad luck
- Traffic safety
- Academic achievement, among others.