#255 Komagome Myogi Jinja

Komagome, Tokyo

Myogi Shrine in Komagome, Tokyo, was founded in 651 (the second year of the Hakuchi era).

Considered one of the oldest shrines in Toshima Ward, Tokyo, legend holds that Yamato Takeru no Mikoto established his camp here during his eastern campaign in 651 and built a shrine, marking its origins. Originally named Shirotori Shrine, it appears that Shigeyoshi, a descendant of Nitta Yoshisada, later constructed it after inviting the deity from his ancestral home shrine, Shinmei Shrine in Gunma Prefecture. The Nitta clan had ties to Myōgi Shrine in Gunma, which also enshrines Yamato Takeru no Mikoto. It is possible the name was changed during this reconstruction. Later, Ōta Dōkan prayed for victory at this shrine before every battle, and his prayers were answered. Consequently, it gained fame as the “God of Victory” and the “Shrine of Battle Triumphs,” attracting widespread devotion.

I visited on the day of "Chinowa kuguri" at the end of June. "Chinowa Kuguri" is a type of shinto ritual and one of the rites of “Nagoshi no Harae” often translated as “summer passing” in English. It is believed that by passing through the ring of chigaya, grasses entwined around a circle of bamboo, that it will increase ones chances of getting through the hot sultry summer in good health.