厳島弁財天 is a Shinto shrine located on an artificial island in Tokyo Bay, Chiba Prefecture. The shrine was originally built as a Buddhist temple but was later converted to Shintoism and is now dedicated to the god of prosperity and good fortune, Ebisu. The shrine's architecture reflects its history, with a mix of traditional Japanese and Western styles. Visitors can see the famous Tsukimi-damu, a large dam that was used as an earthquake barrier during World War II.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Ebisu
- Kami enshrined
- Ebisu
- Coordinates
- 35.7340607, 140.8327585
Visitor tip
To experience the best views of Tokyo Bay, visit the shrine at sunset when the sky is painted with hues of pink and orange.
Cultural notes
Ebisu is often depicted as a fat man carrying a large fishing net. The shrine holds an annual festival in December to celebrate Ebisu's birthday, which features traditional food stalls and games for adults and children alike.
Historical note
The shrine was built in 1862 by Tokugawa Iesada, a former Shogun of Japan.