Took a trip over to Nerima to see many famous and traditional spots! This is just a brief look, so I’d suggest checking out more information if any of this strikes your interest! The location isn’t that far from the main hub of Tokyo, either, so it makes for a nice day trip!
▶︎ Shakujii Hikawa Shrine | 石神井氷川神社
Hikawa Shrine, also known as Shakujii Hikawa Shrine, is located in Nerima Ward, Tokyo, specifically in the southwest part of Shakujii Park. Established during the Ōei era (1394-1428), it was originally constructed within the castle grounds of Shakujii Castle by the local lord, the Toyoshima clan. The shrine was dedicated to soliciting spirits from Hikawa Shrine in Omiya.
When Shakujii Castle fell to Ota Dokan, Hikawa Shrine was relocated to its present site, becoming the primary guardian of the Shakujii area. One notable feature of this shrine is the presence of numerous subsidiary shrines within its precincts, including Haruna, Asama, Mitake, Afuri, Mitsumine, Kitano, Yahata, Mitake, Mishima, Suga, and Inari shrines. This diversity adds to the unique and rich cultural tapestry of Hikawa Shrine, reflecting its historical significance and spiritual importance in the region.
▶︎ Dojoji | 道場寺
Dojoji is a Soto sect temple situated in Shakujiidai, Nerima Ward, Tokyo.
Established in 1372 by Toyoshima Terutoki, it was initially constructed as the family temple for the Toyoshima clan. Originally affiliated with the Rinzai sect, the temple underwent a transformation in 1601 (Keicho 6), transitioning to the Soto sect.
The temple proudly holds the “Houjouuji Yasuin Banjou,” serving as a guarantee that the temple is exempt from taxes, emphasizing its historical and privileged status.
Sanpoji Temple, also known as Shakujii Fudoson and follows the Chisan Japanese sect of Shingon Buddhism (part of Tantric Buddhism), is situated in Shakujiidai, Nerima Ward, Tokyo, atop the Kichozan mountain. During the Edo period, it served as a main temple with branch temples and held the esteemed position of the 11th temple of the Kanto 36 Fudo Sacred Sites. Renowned for its historical significance, the temple complex, comprising of various temples and structures, is often recognized as both a power spot and an Instagram-worthy location.
Sanpoji Temple has played a pivotal role in the naming of nearby landmarks such as Sanpoji Pond in Shakujii Park. The pond, located across a narrow road, was once connected to Itsukushima Shrine, originally Benten Shrine under Sanpoji Temple. The name change occurred during the Meiji period’s separation of Shinto and Buddhism.
Established in 1394, the first year of the Ōei era, Sanpoji Temple’s original location was near Zenjo-in Temple, close to Shakujii Pond. It was dedicated to Katsugun Jizo and was constructed alongside Shakujii Castle as a prayer temple for the ruling Toshima clan. In 1477, the temple was moved to its present location after Toyoshima Yasutsune‘s defeat by Ota Dokan in the Battle of Egota-Numabukurohara.
Throughout history, Sanpoji Temple has received imperial favor, including commands from Emperor Go-Nara and territorial grants from the Later Hōjō clan during the Tenshō era. It garnered further recognition in the Edo period with six sub-temples and over 50 large temples. It became a favored location for falconry during Tokugawa Iemitsu’s reign, leading to the popular nickname “Onarimon.”
Post-Meiji Restoration, the temple faced challenges due to the separation of Shinto and Buddhism. In 1874, a fire destroyed the hall, leaving the temple in ruins. Reconstruction efforts began in 1919 but faced delays due to events like the Great Kantō Earthquake in 1923 and the Pacific War. The main hall was finally completed in 1953.
The temple precinct comprises several structures, including the main hall, Daishido (Okunoin), Onarimon gate, Belfry Hall, Nagayamon gate, Kannondo, Nemoto Daito (a wooden pagoda), and Daikokudo/Jizodo. The Peace Daikannon statue, the 9m tall “Eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva Statue,” and the Sanpoji Bamboo Grove are also notable features.
Sanpoji Temple continues to stand as a testament to history, spirituality, and cultural heritage, inviting visitors to explore its rich legacy and serene surroundings.
▶︎ Shakujii Castle Ruins | 石神井城社
▲ This hill is all that’s left of what used to be the Shakujii Castle.
▶︎ Shakujii Pond | 石神井池
▶︎ Former Uchida Family House | 旧内田家住宅
The former Uchida family residence follows a regular four-floor plan, featuring an 15.3m* ridge line. It includes a 10.9m section with Harima Hasama and a 6.4m section of Harima Hasama to the northwest. Constructed with a thatched roof, hipped roof, Yosemunezukuri, and hirairi hirairi, the 4.4m building is made of a kadoya thatched roof.
* The measurements here originally Japanese shakukan system of measurements like ma, shaku, ken, and tsubo. These have been omitted here for ease of understanding.
** A unit of length employed in the shakukan measurement system where 1 ken equals 6 shaku (approximately 1.8182 meters), while 1 square ken is equivalent to 1 tsubo (approximately 3.3058 square meters). It’s important to note that “ma” initially denoted the number of spaces between pillars (the number of pillars minus 1), and the length was not fixed.
Dating back to the early Meiji 20s, the construction date is estimated based on a document discovered in the attic, dated 1889, along with hearsay information and the use of Western-style nails from the initial build. The structure, form, finish of parts, and traces of the building suggest the incorporation of materials from Edo period houses.
Originally situated in Nakamura, Nerima Ward, the residence was dismantled in May 2007 and subsequently moved and restored in 2010 at Ikebuchi Historical Park. It serves as an outdoor exhibition facility for the Shakujii Park Furusato Cultural Center.
While there have been some partial renovations, the main components, structure, and original form of the building have been well-preserved. Notably, it stands as one of the few traditional thatched-roof private houses still existing in the ward.
There was a guide at the house that explained various things about the building and its long history.
▶︎ Nerima Shakujiikoen Furusato Museum
練馬区立石神井公園ふるさと文化館
▶︎ Related Official Accounts
▶︎ Related Links
▶︎ Shakujii Hikawa Shrine | 神井氷川神社
- Auto-English Translated Wikipedia
- Hikawa Shrine – Official Site (Japanese)
- Tokyo Jinjacho – Hikawa Shrine (Japanese)
▶︎ Dojoji | 道場寺
▶︎ Sanpoji Temple | 三宝寺
▶︎ Shakujii Castle Ruins
▶︎ Shakujii Pond
▶︎ Former Uchida Family House
- Nerima City Official Site (English)
- Nerima City Official Site (Japanese)
- All About
▶︎ Shakujiikoen & Museum
FirePress Japan by Blaze 'n' Rekka 
You must be logged in to post a comment.