Namiyoke Shrine — Attraction in Tokyo

Welcome to Namiyoke Inari Shrine (波除稲荷神社). Nestled right beside the vibrant Tsukiji Outer Market in Tokyo's Chuo Ward, this shrine has been the beloved guardian deity of Tsukiji for centuries. A Tale of Triumph Over the Waves: A Historic Beginning The story of Namiyoke Shrine dates back approximately 350 years to the Edo period. During the ambitious land reclamation projects for the expansion of Edo Castle, the area that is now Tsukiji faced a formidable challenge: relentless, violent waves that repeatedly thwarted construction efforts. One miraculous night, a glowing effigy of Inari Okami (the Fox Deity) emerged from the sea. When the people enshrined it and held a grand festival, the winds and waves miraculously subsided, allowing the reclamation work to proceed smoothly to completion. From this incredible event, the shrine received the revered name "Namiyoke" (meaning "wave protection" or "averting disaster"). Since then, it has been revered as a deity who "removes calamities and helps overcome difficulties," attracting worshippers seeking blessings for warding off evil, business prosperity, and construction safety. Given Tsukiji's history, it holds particular significance for those involved in fishing, marine transport, and the seafood industry. Tsukiji Today: A Modern Hub Still Rooted in Tradition The relocation of the inner Tsukiji Market to Toyosu in 2018 was a significant event, and Tsukiji's landscape continues to evolve. However, the Tsukiji Outer Market remains a bustling hub, attracting countless tourists and culinary professionals from around the world. It stands as a vibrant testament to Tokyo's enduring food culture. Namiyoke Shrine, situated right next to this lively Outer Market, continues to be a spiritual pillar for those who fuel "Tsukiji's stomach." Even as the market transforms, the shrine stands steadfast, warmly welcoming people who come to pray for daily business prosperity and safety, as well as those eager to delve into Tsukiji's rich history and culture. Unique Features & What Foreign Visitors Will Love: Where History Meets Instagram! Namiyoke Shrine boasts some truly captivating features that blend its deep history with unique visual appeal, perfect for curious visitors: The Giant Lion Heads (Shishi): Prepare to be impressed by the massive "Tenjo Ojishi" (Ceiling Great Lion - male) and "Ohaguro Jishi" (Black-toothed Lion - female). These powerful lion heads are carried during the annual "Tsukiji Shishi Matsuri" (Lion Festival). The male lion is believed to ward off evil, while the female lion (with her distinctive black-stained teeth, a traditional beauty custom) is associated with good matchmaking and fertility. They offer fantastic photo opportunities! Unique Food-Related Memorial Mounds (Tsuka): This is where Tsukiji's unique connection to food truly shines! Scattered throughout the shrine grounds are fascinating memorial mounds, each dedicated to a specific food item, reflecting the deep respect and gratitude of the local vendors: Katsugyo-zuka (Live Fish Mound): A memorial for fish and seafood. Sushi-zuka (Sushi Mound): Highly revered by sushi chefs. Tamago-zuka (Egg Mound): Dedicated to eggs, a staple in Japanese cuisine (and especially famous in Tsukiji for Tamagoyaki!). Ebi-zuka (Shrimp Mound): A mound for shrimp. These unique monuments beautifully illustrate Tsukiji's profound connection to its culinary heritage. They're not just historical markers; they're quirky tributes that tell a story. As Tsukiji continues its evolution, Namiyoke Shrine stands firm, a crucial bridge connecting its Edo-period origins with the vibrant energy of modern-day Tsukiji. It truly is a symbol safeguarding Tsukiji's past, present, and future. When you visit Tsukiji, make sure to step into this fascinating shrine and soak in its unique blend of history, culture, and...

Namiyoke Shrine is a small but charming Shinto shrine located just steps from the bustling Tsukiji Fish Market. Dedicated to the god Inari Okami, the shrine is believed to protect from natural disasters and bring good fortune to businesses. The shrine is particularly known for its numerous tsuka, stone sculptures dedicated to various seafood ingredients. These range from shrimp and kelp to tamago (egg) and even eel. The most famous tsuka is the egg-shaped stone, which is said to bring good luck to those who touch it. The atmosphere at Namiyoke Shrine is peaceful and serene, making it a welcome respite from the busy market. It's a great place to take a moment to reflect and appreciate the beauty of traditional...

If you consume seafood, you can give thanks at this shrine to the creatures that feed us. 波除稲荷神社 Namiyoke [protection from waves] Inari Jinja near the former Tsukiji Fish Market, had memorials to 蛤石 Hamaguri (clam), 活魚塚 Katsugyozuka-(katsugyo are fresh seafood that has been brought to land alive and kept in tanks before preparation), 鮟鱇 (あんこう) 塚 Ankozuka (monkfish is a deep sea creature that is frequently eaten in the winter), 海老塚 Shrimp, 海老の大丸 (tempura shrimp), すし塚 (sushizuka for sushi), 玉子塚 (eggs) and even 昆布塚 (kombu seaweed). The 末社の天祖神社 Massha no tensojin-sha shrine houses four deities: 天照大神 Tenterudaijin Amaterasu (天照) (Sun Goddess), 大国主命 Ōkuninushimikoto (ruler of the unseen world of spirits & magic/God of nation-building, farming, business, & medicine), 少彦名命 Sukuna Hikona Mikoto Sukuna Hikona no Mikoto (God of Medicine and Wine) and 天日鷲命 Amanohi Washi no Mikoto. The shrine has a pair of wooden lion's heads that are paraded through the neighborhood during the shrine's festival. 獅子殿 (厄除天井大獅子) Shishi-dono (Yakuyoke Tenjo Ōjishi) Male lion's head and 弁財天社 (お歯黒獅子) Benzaitensha structure (Ohaguro jishi [black toothed female lion's head]). Each is housed in it's own building. There is a display of the 七福殿 Seven Lucky Gods reimagined as seafood: ホタテい Hotate i (with a scallop shell hat) 布袋 Hotei フグろくじゅ Fugu rokuju (blowfish hat) 福禄寿 Fukurokuju タコキュろうじん Takokyu Roujin (Octapus hat) 寿老人 Jurōjin イカもんてん Ika monten (Squid hat) 毘沙門天 Bishamonten べんサザエてん Ben sazae ten (Horned turban sea snail hat) 弁才天 Benzaiten エビえびす Ebi Ebisu (Shrimp hat) 恵比寿 Ebisu タイこく Tai koku (Sea bream hat) 大黒 Daikoku (The names have been tweeked a bit.) There is also a small shrine to the fox deity おきつね様...