Suitengu Shrine

Located in Ningyocho, an area brimming with downtown charm despite being in the city center, Suitengu Shrine has a rich history. The ninth lord of the Kurume Domain in Fukuoka Prefecture, Arima Yorinori, established a branch shrine at his upper residence in Mita Akabane in 1818, marking the beginning of Suitengu Shrine in Tokyo.

The shrine venerates four deities: Ame-no-Minakanushi-no-Kami, who appears at the beginning of Japanese mythology; Emperor Antoku of the Taira clan; Nii-no-Ama, a court lady; and Kenreimon-in, a late Heian period court lady. These deities bestow powerful blessings, garnering profound faith for their extensive divine virtues, which include safe childbirth, blessing of children, and the vitality of life.

Back in the Edo period, pregnant women who visited the shrine would use the bell rope (suzu-no-o) tied in front of the prayer hall as a maternity belt, praying for a safe delivery. Remarkably, these prayers often resulted in safe childbirth and healthy babies, spreading the shrine's reputation by word of mouth. Consequently, many people began to visit Suitengu Shrine for blessings. Additionally, there is a "Kodakara Inu" (Child-Blessing Dog) statue inspired by prolific and safe childbirth in dogs. It is believed that stroking the zodiac sign corresponding to one's own birth year around this statue brings blessings such as safe childbirth, blessing of children, disaster prevention, and good health.

The shrine also enshrines "Hojo Benzaiten," one of the seven lucky gods in the "Nihombashi Shichifukujin Meguri" tour, famous as a power spot for arts, academics, and financial fortune. The doors open on the 5th of every month and on days of the Snake, allowing visitors to view the deity's statue.