Yoshiwara Shrine: A Sanctuary Rooted in History
Explore a Shinto shrine in Tokyo's Taito City with a captivating history rooted in the former Yoshiwara red-light district, offering blessings and cultural insights.
Yoshiwara Shrine, nestled in the Senzoku area of Tokyo's Taito City, carries a unique history deeply intertwined with the city's past. Once the heart of the Yoshiwara Yukaku, Japan's largest legal red-light district for nearly 380 years, the shrine's origins trace back to the Meiji period when five Inari Shrines were consolidated in 1872. These shrines, including Kaiun Inari, Enomoto Inari, Akashi Inari, Kurosuke Inari, and Gentoku Inari, were initially established to protect the Yoshiwara Yukaku. Today, Yoshiwara Shrine stands as a testament to the area's transformation. While the red-light district is no more, the shrine remains a significant landmark, drawing visitors with its historical and cultural importance. It's believed that the deities enshrined here, including Ukanomitama and Ichikishimahime, answer the wishes of women, making it a popular destination for those seeking blessings. Key highlights of the shrine include the Yoshiwara Kannon Statue at the nearby Yoshiwara Benzaiten Shrine, commemorating the women who tragically died in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. The Aizome Sakura, a cherry blossom tree replanted in 2013, symbolizes meaningful encounters and is considered a sacred tree. Visitors can explore the shrine's grounds, reflect on its history, and appreciate its role in the evolving narrative of Tokyo.
Local tips
- Visit during the Asakusa Kannon-ura Sakura Festival in April for a vibrant cultural experience connected to the shrine.
- Take a moment to appreciate the Aizome Sakura (Cherry Blossom Tree of Fated Meetings) and its significance to the shrine.
- Explore the nearby Yoshiwara Benzaiten Shrine, a one-minute walk away, to see the Yoshiwara Kannon Statue.
A brief summary to Yoshiwara Shrine
- 3 Chome-20-2 Senzoku, Taito City, 3 Chome Senzoku, Tokyo, 111-0031, JP
- Visit website
- Monday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
- Tuesday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
- Wednesday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
- Thursday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
- Friday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
- Saturday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
- Sunday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Minowa Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line), the shrine is a 10-15 minute walk. Exit the station and follow the signs towards Yoshiwara Shrine. A single subway fare from Kayabacho to Minowa costs between ¥180-¥220. Alternatively, from Tokyo Station, take the Toei Bus (東42-1) to Higashi-Asakusa; the shrine is a short walk from there. The bus fare is ¥210.
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Walking
From Senso-ji Temple, Yoshiwara Shrine is approximately a 20-minute walk. Head north-east, using a map application for guidance. Note the grid pattern of the streets, a remnant of the area's past.
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Taxi
A taxi from Ueno Station to Yoshiwara Shrine typically costs between ¥1,500 - ¥2,000 and takes around 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. From Tokyo Station, a taxi ride will be approximately ¥3,300 - ¥4,000.
