Located in the heart of Setagaya Ward, Tokyo, 小杉神社 is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the cedar tree. The shrine's name, '小杉', translates to 'small cedar', and its primary enshrined deity is Tsukino-O-Okami, a variant of the more well-known Hachiman, the god of war and fertility. Founded in 1598 during the Edo period, 小杉神社 is known for its beautiful cedar gates and traditional Japanese architecture. Visitors can explore the shrine's tranquil gardens and experience the tranquility of this historic Shinto site.
- Religion
- shinto
- Kami enshrined
- Tsukino-O-Okami
- Coordinates
- 35.5839596, 139.6517822
Visitor tip
To avoid waiting in line, consider visiting early in the morning or later in the evening to take advantage of shorter queues.
Cultural notes
As a Shinto shrine dedicated to the cedar tree, 小杉神社 is closely tied to the mythology surrounding this sacred wood. In Shinto tradition, cedars are believed to possess spiritual powers and are often associated with purification and protection. The shrine's name and architecture reflect this connection, and visitors can learn more about these traditions by exploring the shrine's gardens and grounds.
Historical note
Small Cedar Shrine was built on the site where a cedar tree fell, which was considered sacred by local residents.