Yoyogi Hachimangu

History and Divine Virtue

Tradition dates the shrine to 1212, when Arai Geki Tomoaki — a retainer of Kondo Saburo Korechika, who had served Minamoto no Yoriie, the second Kamakura shogun — established a Hachiman shrine here to pray for his late lord's repose. The enshrined deity is Emperor Ojin, the Hachiman deity. Wrapped in a guardian forest so deep it is hard to believe one is in central Tokyo, the grounds have yielded the remains of Jomon-period dwellings (the Yoyogi Hachiman site), evidence that people have lived on this land since ancient times. The auxiliary Shusse Inari Shrine, moved here in the early Showa era from a nearby Inari shrine, became widely known as an Inari of career fortune and advancement. Visitors praying for success in business or a push at a turning point — entertainers among them — often pay their respects at both the Hachiman sanctuary, revered for warding off misfortune, and the Shusse Inari. It is a hidden guardian shrine of the city, keeping the stillness of its woods within Shibuya.

Visiting Notes

• After worshipping at the main sanctuary, visit Shusse Inari Shrine on the left of the grounds — this is where to pray for career fortune.
• A reconstructed Jomon-period pit dwelling stands on the grounds, and artifacts excavated from the site have been preserved.
• The approach climbing to the sanctuary on its small hill is deep with greenery — a morning visit is especially pleasant.

Deities and Location

Enshrined Deities

Emperor Ōjin

Location

東京都渋谷区代々木 (Tokyo)

Access

About 5 minutes on foot from Yoyogi-Hachiman Station (Odakyu Line) or Yoyogi-koen Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)

Lineage

Career & Victory

Visiting hours, goshuin (shrine stamps), and festival dates change; please confirm the latest information through each shrine's official announcements. If you find an error in this entry, we would be grateful if you let us know.