Japan has its fair share of significant Shinto shrines and in Kita Ward, Oji Jinja Shrine may look to small to be anything significant but in truth, it was designed as the northern protector shrine for the “Tokyo Jissha” (Ten Shrines of Tokyo).
The shrine is bestowed by the gods the benefits of good luck, the prevention of fire and for couples wanting to have a family and are expecting a child.
People who worship Izanami no Mikoto and Amaterasu Omikami also come to visit for the blessing of marriage, so marriage ceremonies are held at this location.
The location is known for hosting the Mikoshi parade in August.
While it is said that Oji Shrine has been around since the Kamakura period (1185-1333), unfortunately, most of the original shrine was destroyed during World War II and was rebuilt in 1959 and again in 1982.
Right next to Oji Shrine is a gingkyo tree designated as natural monument of Tokyo and was created sometime around the 1300s and is still growing.
But still if you are in the Kita ward area and are visiting near Otonashi Water Park, Oji Jinja Shrine is worth the visit!
