About
In a quiet residential area not far from Osaki Station, there is a lush, green sacred grove. Standing here is Irugi Shrine, proud of its history and tradition. Once you step into the precincts, the hustle and bustle of the city seems to disappear as if it were a lie, and you are greeted by a pleasant silence and refreshing air.
Climbing the stone steps, you will see a stone torii gate dedicated in the fourth year of Kansei in the Edo period (1792). Its dignified presence continues to watch over visitors even after many years have passed. Passing through the torii, you will find a temizuya where pure water flows, purifying the minds and bodies of worshippers. At the spout of the temizuya sits an adorable komainu, whose expression is somehow gentle.
Proceeding through the grounds, your eyes will be caught by the vivid vermilion shrine building. Rebuilt in Showa 53 (1978), this shrine building inherits traditional design while also incorporating modern techniques. Many deities are enshrined here, including the main deity Yamato Takeru no Mikoto, Takitsuhiko no Kami, Okuninushi no Mikoto, Ukanomitama no Mikoto, Amatsuhikone no Mikoto, and Sugawara no Michizane. Many worshippers visit seeking the diverse blessings offered by these deities.
To the left of the shrine building stands Itsukushima Shrine, a tangible cultural property designated by Shinagawa Ward. Built in the late Edo period, this small shrine features elaborate carvings and coloring, and its beauty shines across time. Once enshrined as the guardian deity of the Matsubara family, the village headmen of old Irugibashi Village, this shrine still attracts the faith of many people today.
Within the precincts, there is also a Fujizuka built in Showa 8 (1933). Constructed from lava, this Fujizuka has been selected as one of the “One Hundred Views of Shinagawa” and is beloved by the local community. In addition, there is a sign for the “Irugibashi Pumpkin,” a local specialty from the Edo period to the mid-Meiji period. According to legend, in the early Edo period, the monk Takuan ordered seeds from the Kansai region and encouraged Shozaemon Matsubara, the village headman of old Irugibashi Village, to cultivate pumpkins.
At Irugi Shrine, various festivals are held throughout the year. At the annual grand festival in late August, there are many events such as mikoshi processions, taiko drum performances, and dances by local groups, making the area lively with local people. Seasonal events such as the Setsubun Festival and Summer Festival are also actively held.
Why not take a moment to calm your mind in this place where silence and history live, away from the city’s noise? Irugi Shrine is truly an oasis in the city, offering peace and healing to all who visit.