Ushijima Shrine in Tokyo

Facts & Figures

The Ushijima Shrine is located at the northern end of the Sumida Park in Tokyo. The word Ushijima can be translated with cow island. Besides the main shrine you will find a very popular statue of the cattle deity called nade-ushi (Touching Cow). The legend says that the statue will help to heal your wounds and injuries faster. At first touch your own injury and later the same area at the nade-ushi and the magic will happen.  Explore Ryokans in Tokyo >
Ryokans are the perfect way to discover old Japanese culture and traditions. This old Shinto Shrine was dedicated to three deities (gods), which are Sadatoki Shinno - the 7th prince of Emperor Seiwa who stayed in this area in 929 and died here, Amenohohi - son of Amaterasu the sun goddess and Susanoo - god of storms. All three together were worshipped by the local people to protect them on the east bank of the river Sumida. The counterpart for the west bank of river Sumida can be found at Sensoji Temple. The deity there is called goddess of Kannon (bodhisattva Kannon).

• Ushijima Shrine:
• Opening Hours - 5:00 am to 6:00 pm (April to September)
• Opening Hours - 5:30 am to 5:00 pm (October to March)
• Admission Fee - free

My tips for local activities

How about exploring the fascinating city Tokyo with a local guide. Check out this page > for more details about this tour.

History

Ushijima Shrine was built in 860 and its founding father was Buddhist Ennin also known as Jikaku Daishi (794 – 864). The buildings and torii survived the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923 and the bombings of World War 2.

Sightseeing spots

Top:

Mitsu-torii - At the entrance of the Ushijima Shinto Shrine is this unique wooden torii gate, also known as Miwa-torii (Three shrine gates), located. It consists of a large central gate and two smaller connected ones. The reason for this is the Shinto Shrine is dedicated to three gods and they deserve separate entrances.

Kaguraden - It is a music stage, where every 5 years in September during the Ushijima Shrine Grand Festival many events happening.

Honden - The main building is made out of hinoki cypress wood with many beautiful carvings on display. The architectural style is called Gongen Dukuri. The construction is dating back to 1181.

Haiden - The main prayer or worship hall of Ushijima has a beautiful feature above its entrance. The carved dragon stands as a symbol to bring fishermen and farmers nice weather and to protect the local people from fire.

Komaushi - It is the guardian cow protecting the entrance of the shrine. Usually you will find guardian dogs at other Shinto Shrines, but this here is a special case.

Sumida Park - located along the Sumida river and belongs to the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

September

Ushijima Shrine Bon Odori Matsuri (middle of Sep.)
The festival is held for about 3 days. Enjoy the drums and the mikoshi (portable shrine) procession's.

Ushijima Shrine Grand Festival (14th till 16th)
The festival has a history of over 1100 years and is held every 5 years. The next one will be in 2022. The highlight is a parade which is held on 2 days. The priest and its followers wear traditional costumes and a beautifully decorated imperial-style carriage (Horen) with two black bulls in front is the main attraction.