Ancient Heritage & Hidden Tokyo

Feature article

Inagi-Shi

Immerse in Japan’s Tradition, Culture, and History

Discover Serenity and Experience Japan's Scenic Rural Landscape in Inagi City, Tokyo. Just 30 minutes from Tokyo's Shinjuku, Inagi offers a countryside atmosphere close to the urban center. The town features rural landscapes dotted with pear and grape orchards. With its rich historical heritage, Inagi invites visitors to journey back in time.

 

Table of Contents

Hidden Gem: Anazawa Tenjin Shrine

Located just a 5-minute walk from Keio Yomiuriland Station, Anazawa Tenjin Shrine is a historical treasure dating back to the Heian period.
This shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning. Perched on the hillside, this shrine is one of Inagi City's oldest cultural assets, maintaining its solemn presence throughout the ages.

Students and scholars visit this sacred site to pray for academic success and examination achievements.
The beautiful wooden shrine building, rebuilt in 1694 during the Edo period, evokes a sense of Japan's ancient landscape.
Natural spring water flows quietly at the foot of the hill, serving as a source of daily life for the locals.
This pure water is cherished by many households, especially for making tea.

Every year, on the Sunday closest to August 25th, the shrine hosts a lion dance, designated as an important cultural asset.
Performed by three lions and a tengu, this dynamic dance prays for abundant harvests and warding off evil, leaving a lasting impression on its viewers.

A visit to Anazawa Tenjin Shrine offers an encounter with the harmonious blend of history, nature, and spirituality, taking you back to ancient Japan.
Source:https://tokyo.jinja.link/anazawatenjinja.html

History and Mystique: Omatonozuno Tenjin Shrine

A 7-minute walk from JR Nambu Line's Minami-Tama Station brings you to the magnificent Omatonozuno Tenjin Shrine.
Located halfway up Tenjin-yama Hill at an elevation of 70 meters, this shrine offers stunning views of the Tama River to the north.

The name of the shrine reflects its ancient significance as a crossing point for the Tama River, symbolizing "a large, round flatland with a docking site."
This area has been a key transportation hub since ancient times, serving as a lifeline for travel and logistics.

The origins of the shrine trace back to the Heian period.
Climbing the stone steps surrounded by greenery leads to the majestic shrine building, which seems to transport visitors to another world.
The shrine, built in 1867 during the late Edo period, is adorned with intricate carvings that showcase the peak craftsmanship of the time.

The tranquil atmosphere here provides a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Within the shrine grounds, you will find many auxiliary shrines, including Tsushima Shrine, Hakusan Shrine, Shinmei Shrine, Inari Shrine, and Akiba Shrine, each with its unique history and rituals.

Annual festivals, such as the Tenno-sama Festival in mid-July, the Wind Festival on September 1st, and the Autumn Grand Festival in early October, bring the community together for traditional ceremonies.
Especially notable is the Autumn Grand Festival's evening celebration, held on the first Saturday of October, where lanterns illuminate the grounds, creating a magical atmosphere.

Nearby Enshoji Temple also adds to the area's charm, offering a serene and mystical experience.

Guardian Spirit in Stones: The Sai-no-Kami Festival

The "Sai-no-Kami Festival," a quietly preserved traditional event, embodies Japan's deep spiritual connection to protective deities.
This festival honors the Dosojin stones, guardian spirits believed to protect villages, travelers, and borders.

During New Year celebrations, the Toshigami deity is said to visit each household, bringing age and blessings to family members.
Preparations for welcoming this deity include traditional decorations such as kadomatsu, shimenawa, and kagami-mochi.
At the end of the New Year period, these decorations are burned in a ritual that symbolizes sending off the deity with fire, ensuring health and prosperity.

In Inagi, this tradition continues with unique regional variations, reflecting the community's cultural heritage.

Ancient Stone Monuments Telling Stories of Old

The old paths and temple grounds in Inagi City are home to numerous stone monuments dating from the medieval to early modern periods.
These include horse-headed Kannon statues, Koshin towers, Itabi memorials, Jizo statues, guideposts, and commemorative stelae.

Among them, the 45 horse-headed Kannon statues, many located along the former Edo Road near the Yaguchi Ferry site, stand out.
These statues, built in honor of horses vital for agriculture and transportation in the Edo period, depict horse faces and are monuments to the deep bond between humans and animals of the time.

Exploring these stone monuments offers a glimpse into the lives of people in Edo-era Japan.

Omaru Irrigation Channel

The Omaru Irrigation Channel, an agricultural waterway in Inagi City, has a history dating back to the early Edo period (17th century).
Drawing water from the Tama River, it stretches to Noborito in Kawasaki City, supporting agriculture for over 300 years.

The water channel played a crucial role in sustaining rice farming and pear cultivation.
The Omaru Shinsui Park near JR Nambu Line's Minami-Tama Station offers a scenic spot to enjoy the waterway.

A walking path lined with seasonal flowers provides a tranquil escape for visitors along a 3-km stretch between Minami-Tama and Inagi-Naganuma stations.

Conclusion

In Inagi City, visitors can immerse themselves in serene rural landscapes and rich historical culture, offering a journey into the lives of ancient Japan.

Reference Links