About
Passing through the bustle of Tsukiji and proceeding along Namiyoke Street, the quietly standing Namiyoke Inari Shrine comes into view. This place was once an expanse of Edo’s sea, and land reclamation work was hindered by fierce waves. However, one night, the sacred object of the Inari deity, shining on the sea surface, drifted ashore. When it was enshrined, the waves and wind calmed, and the construction was safely completed. In honor of this divine virtue, the name “Namiyoke” (“wave protection”) was given.
Passing through the torii gate, numerous mounds line the precincts. The Sushi Mound, Shrimp Mound, Anglerfish Mound, Live Fish Mound, Egg Mound, and others were built by people working at the Tsukiji Market to express gratitude for the ingredients. These mounds symbolize reverence for the lives taken and a deep affection for food culture.
To the right of the main hall is the Lion Hall, where the “Great Ceiling Lion for Calamity Protection,” standing 2.4 meters tall and weighing 1 ton, is enshrined. This lion is the symbol of the “Tsukiji Lion Festival,” which has continued since the Edo period, and is revered as a guardian deity for warding off disasters. On the other hand, in the Benzaiten Shrine to the left, the “Ohaguro Lion,” with red skin and blackened teeth, is enshrined, and in the jewel on its head is placed the sacred image of Benzaiten, Ichikishimahime-no-mikoto.
At the “Tsukiji Lion Festival” held every June, these lion heads parade through the town, bringing liveliness to the Tsukiji area. This festival is a tradition continuing from the Edo period and is an important event that deepens the bonds among local people.
Namiyoke Inari Shrine is a place that conveys the history and culture of Tsukiji to the present day, offering tranquility and peace to its visitors. Walking through the precincts, one can feel gratitude for ingredients, prayers for protection from calamities, and the bonds of the community, leaving the heart feeling cleansed.