Shrine that worships Taira Masakado ② Yoroi Shrine

Yoroi Shrine - A forest of the guardians associated with Taira Masakado, where history and legends live.

Yoroi Shrine, located in Kita-Shinjuku, Shinjuku Ward, is a historic shrine dedicated to Nihon Takeru, a god of warriors, Sugawara Michizane, the god of learning, and Taira Masakado, who recited the supreme kingdom in Kanto. Although it is within easy access, within walking distance of JR Okubo Station or Higashinakano Station on the JR/Toei Oedo Line, the grounds are filled with silence and a calm atmosphere that envelops visitors.

The charm of Yoroi Shrine is more than just a historic building. This area has been home to legend since ancient times that Nippon Takeru placed armor during his east campaign, and that Taira Masakado's armor was buried. These stories make Yoroi Shrine a special existence.

The history of its founding and the faith that has continued since the era of syncretization of Shinto and Buddhas

The establishment of Yoroi Shrine dates back to the time of Emperor Daigo (898-929). It is said that it was built to protect the Onimonji Temple at the time. Ensho-ji Temple is said to have begun when Sadasato, a son of Rigen Daishi's apprentice, enshrined the statue of Yakushi Buddha, which is said to be Gyoki.

At that time, society was a time of syncretism between Shinto and Buddha, and shrines and temples had a close relationship. The Yoroi Shrine, which was founded to protect the Onimon Shrine at Enshoji Temple, also follows this trend. In other words, Yoroi Shrine is a shrine with a unique historical background, combining Buddhist and Shinto beliefs.

A sacred place engraved with the footprints of the legendary Takeru, the war god of Japan's legendary Takeru.

Even before the founding of Yoroi Shrine, a legend was passed down in this area. This is when Japanese Mutomomi, famous as the god of war, was ordered by the emperor to pacify the eastern country, and six armored objects were stored in the area (stopped).

Nippon Takeru was a prince sent to pacify the eastern province upon orders from his father, Emperor Keigyo. As a brave and intelligent warlord, he fought numerous battles all over the country, making a significant contribution to the peace of the eastern country. Legends passed down at Yoroi Shrine suggest that Nippon Takeru stopped by this area on his way to the Eastern Expedition and put his armor. This legend can be said to have strengthened Yoroi Shrine's character as a sacred place dedicated to the gods of war.

A place of sorrow, where the legendary and heroic spirits of Taira Masakado rest

When talking about Yoroi Shrine, Taira Masakado's presence is essential. In 940, Taira Masakado, who had gained power in the Kanto region, was defeated by Fujiwara Hidesato. When locals heard this news, they mourned the death of Prince Masakado, and it is said that in 947, Masakado's armor was also buried there.

Taira Masakado was a warlord who expanded his power in the Kanto region during the mid-Heian period. He called himself the "new emperor" because he established his own political system and showed an stance against the imperial court. However, he was defeated by the army of Fujiwara Hidesato and others, and his head was exposed in Kyoto.

After Masakado's death, faith spread in the Kanto region to calm his vengeful spirits. The legends passed down at Yoroi Shrine show that those who mourned the death of Masakado buried his armor and reposed him. According to one theory, after defeating Masakado, Fujiwara Hidesato, who became seriously ill, feared that it was a worship of Masakado's divine spirit, so he visited Ensho-ji Temple, which is based on Yakushi Buddha as the main image, buried Masakado's armor, built a shrine to mourn the spirit, and the illness was cursed immediately.

These legends can be said to have strengthened Yoroi Shrine as a place of sorrow where the soul of Masakado rests.

Enshrined deities, war gods, gods of land management, and heroes

The deities enshrined at Yoroi Shrine are Nihon Takemi no Mikoto, Okitaka no Mikoto, Suohikona no Mikoto, and Taira Masakado.

1. Yamato Takeru Mikoto - A prince famous as a god of war, and a hero with a strong sense of bravery and intelligence. He contributed to the peace of the Eastern Province and worked hard to develop the nation.
   
2. Oonamuchi Mikoto - Known as the god of land management, he worked hard to develop the country and spread agriculture. He is also worshiped as a god of matchmaking.
   
3. Sukuna Hikona Mikoto and Okiki Mikoto , and is worshiped as a god of medicine, sake brewery, hot springs, and more.
   
4. Taira no Masakado (Taira no Doudo) was a military commander who expanded his power in the Kanto region, and established his own political system. He showed an stance against the imperial court, and although he called himself the "new emperor," he was defeated by Fujiwara Hidesato and others.

By enshrining these gods, Yoroi Shrine has been worshiped by many people as a place for prayers for long-term martial arts, peace of the nation, healing illness, and soothing souls.

A place of learning watched over by the gods of learning at Tenjinja Shrine

At Yoroi Shrine, there is Tenjin Shrine, a shrine dedicated to Sugawara Michizane. Sugawara Michizane is widely known as the god of learning, and many people visit him who pray for success and achieve academic success.

Tenjin Shrine was originally located in Kashiwagi Kita Park and was moved to its current location in the mid-Meiji period. It is also known as Gen Tenjin because it is the original shrine of Nariko Tenjin. The Tenjin Shrine annual festival is held on November 25th every year.

Komainu-style Koshin Tower - A valuable cultural property that conveys the rural culture of the Edo period to the present

The Komainu on both sides of Tenjin Shrine are Koshin towers, which are extremely rare across the country. The building was built in 1721, with the right side showing a male figure (male) and the left side showing a female figure (female).

The Koshin Tower is a stone tower built based on the Koshin faith and was built to pray for the good health and good harvests for the people. Komainu-style Koshin Towers are valuable materials that convey the rural culture of the Edo period to the present, and are designated as a tangible folk cultural property in Shinjuku Ward.

Respect God with the heart of God and sincerity

Yoroi Shrine explains the following about visiting the gods.

1. "Hymanship is God's heart, so if we worship God with sincerity, we will receive God."
2. "God increases his power through man's respect, and man adds his luck through God's virtue."

These words demonstrate the importance of honoring God with sincerity. It is said that when people respect the Great God, it becomes spiritually powerful and increases its power. It is also said that by respecting the Great God with modesty and sincerity, the Great God will be given good transport and open the way.

The place where the armor of Enshoji Temple and Masakado was said to be contained

Adjacent to Yoroi Shrine is Enshoji Temple. Enshoji Temple is a temple that has been walking alongside Yoroi Shrine since its founding, and is said to be the place where Masakado's armor is housed.

Enshoji Temple is based on Yakushi Buddha as its main image, and many people visit to pray for their health and illness. Yoroi Shrine and Enshoji Temple complement each other and have long been popular as the center of the faith of local people.

A space that brings peace and comfort to visitors

Yoroi Shrine is a shrine that is very old and has long been revered by people. The grounds are filled with gentle energy flowing, and a pleasant breeze blows.

By placing yourself in the space, visitors to Yoroi Shrine can forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and find peace and healing. Additionally, by experiencing the history and legends of shrines, you can deepen your understanding of Japanese culture and history.

A wonderful shrine that makes you want to thank Masakado for bringing you together

Yoroi Shrine is known to many people as a shrine associated with Taira Masakado. It is recommended not only for those interested in the legend of Masakado, but also for those interested in history and culture, and for those who want to soothe their minds in a quiet space.

Visiting Yoroi Shrine will surely give you a special experience. Please come and visit us once.

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Access to Yoroi Shrine

1. 11 minutes' walk from JR Okubo Station
2. 14 minutes' walk from Higashinakano Station on the JR and Toei Oedo Line

Hana

Opening hours

Although there is no particular rule, avoid visiting the shrine after sunset.

Nearby information

The area around Yoroi Shrine is full of restaurants and commercial facilities. It is also recommended to enjoy meals and shopping after visiting the shrine.

summary

Yoroi Shrine is a shrine that combines history, legends, cultural properties and charm as a power spot. If you are in Tokyo, be sure to visit.

Shokey Hayashi

Exorcist/Radionics Technique Researcher

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Born in Aomori Prefecture in 1965, he has been suffering from troubles, illnesses and injuries caused by spiritual phenomena since childhood. However, one day, when he was 20 years old, he attended an event, had a mysterious experience at the venue, and was hit by lightning energy from the heavens, as if piercing the spinal cord from his brain, and his psychic abilities blossomed. He then began studying psychology and psychiatry, and now he has combined psychiatry and consciousness engineering. Established "Radionics exorcism" using our own radionics techniques. "It's possible to treat your fortune" beyond exorcism, memorial service, and healing.