In Asakusa, you will first notice well-known tourist spots such as Sensoji Temple and Tokyo Skytree, but in fact, there is a shrine that has a core fan base. These core fans are women who love history and anime. This time, we will introduce Imado Shrine, a sacred place known only to those in the know.

Imado Shrine is located about 1 kilometer northeast of Sensoji Temple, right next to Matsuchiyama Shoden. It is said to have been founded in 1063 when Minamoto no Yoriyoshi and his son Yoshiie enshrined Iwashimizu Hachiman in Kyoto after their conquest of Oshu. In 1937, it was merged with the nearby Hakusan Shrine, at which point it was renamed Imado Shrine.

● A strategic win? The secret behind Imado Shrine's popularity

Nowadays, various shrines and temples are gaining popularity as power spots. Before the 2000s, Imado Shrine did not have any notable popularity. Rather, there were only a few temples and shrines that attracted worshippers from all over the country. Since the 2000s, Imado Shrine has been attracting worshippers from overseas because of its proactive strategy of sacred tourism. When you visit Imado Shrine, you will see a sign next to the torii gate that reads "Birthplace of the Maneki-neko" and "Land where Okita Souji died." There is a story about the Maneki-neko that is passed down in the Asakusa area. At the end of the Edo period, an old woman living in Asakusa gave up her cat because of poverty. Later, the cat appeared to the old woman in a dream and told her, "If you make a cat into a doll, you will surely be granted good fortune." Following this, she started selling a cat with one hand raised on the approach to Sensoji Temple, and it became a big hit. Imado Shrine actively uses the maneki-neko as the shrine's main character, including in the stamps that accompany goshuin (red seals), in items such as omamori (charms), and on votive plaques. In one corner of the shrine office, a large collection of maneki-neko is collected, which are said to be a recreation of a dream the old woman had. Later, in connection with the maneki-neko, a prayer was held at the shrine for the success of the anime series "Natsume's Book of Friends: The Next Generation." "Natsume's Book of Friends" is a hugely popular manga with a heartwarming story about Natsume, a boy who has lost his parents and can see youkai, and Nyanko-sensei. The maneki-neko of Nyanko-sensei that was dedicated to Imado Shrine is still there today, and many anime fans visit the shrine to see it.

Another topic of conversation at Imado Shrine is Shinsengumi's Okita Souji. In front of the main shrine is a monument bearing the name "The final resting place of Okita Souji." This is based on a passage in the "Comrades' Record" written by former Shinsengumi member Nagakura Shinpachi, which says that Okita Souji, who developed lung disease when the Satsuma-Choshu forces entered Edo, was taken to Imado Hachiman and died there. Okita Souji is often portrayed as a handsome swordsman with a short life in various novels, manga, and games, making him a very popular character among women. Currently, there are benches and tables designed like those found in cafes in the grounds of Imado Shrine, but these were placed there so that women who came to see Okita could take a rest.

Imado Shrine is also known for its blessings in finding love. This is because it enshrines the husband and wife deities Izanagi and Izanami-no-Mikoto. The circular votive plaques, which combine a rim and a circle, feature a pair of maneki-neko (beckoning cats), making it a famous attraction. In front of the main shrine building, there is a huge pair of maneki-neko (beckoning cats), which also contributes to the shrine's popularity. It was actually only recently, around 2007-2008, that Imado Shrine began to gain attention as a sacred place for finding love and romance. Nearly 10 years have passed since then, but even now, many female worshippers can be seen visiting the shrine on weekdays and holidays alike.

It takes about 15 minutes on foot from Sensoji Temple to get to Imado Shrine. However, for those who are not familiar with the area or do not want to exert themselves physically, there are other options. You can take the Taito Ward circular bus "Megurin" or the Toei bus.

・Taito-ku circular bus "Kita Megurin" No. 1, board at "Asakusa Station"

Get off at the fourth stop, "Riverside Sports Center"

Fare: 100 yen

・Toei Bus "East 42-Ko, bound for Minamisenju Station West Exit or Minamisenju Depot"

Get off at the third stop, "Asakusa 7-chome"

Fare: 210 yen

・Toei Bus "East 42-Otsu, bound for Minamisenju Depot"

Get off at "Riverside Sports Center"

Fare: 210 yen

I think the Megurin bus is cheaper for the trip there, but for the return trip, using the Megurin bus will mean a longer route, so I recommend using the Toei bus.

Summary

What did you think? This time we introduced Imado Shrine, a shrine in Asakusa that is popular among history and anime fans. There are many photogenic places in Asakusa that you can stroll around in a kimono, and Imado Shrine is no different. Pilgrimages to sacred sites in a kimono are also popular, so we hope you will consider it. If you are considering renting a kimono, we recommend using Kimono Rental VASARA. They have three stores in Asakusa, and same-day use is often possible. If you would like to use it on the day, please contact the call center in advance.

コールセンター：03-5577-5882

Please check here for store information.

https://vasara-h.co.jp/shop/