Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine (Tokyo)

Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine, located in Koto-ku, Tokyo, is a shrine that has long been popularly known as Fukagawa no Hachimansama, and it is also counted as one of the ten Tokyo-jissha shrines at which Emperor Meiji prayed for peace in Tokyo and tranquility for the people. The shrine is also the birthplace of Edo Kanshin Sumo Wrestling, so inscriptions that praise the achievements of the grand champions were made, and inside the shrine giant prints of the hands and feet of sumo wrestlers are preserved in stone monuments. A variety of events are held every month within the grounds, including shrine fairs, antique markets, and flea markets. Particularly noteworthy is the Fukagawa Hachiman Festival, which is held in summer. This festival has a rich history and is counted as one of the three major Edo festivals. One of the highlights of this festival is the practice of mizukake, or throwing water, and each year a lot of people visit just to see this unique event.

Photograph provided by KOTO CITY TOURISM ASSOCIATION