鳥越神社のお参りの記録(1回目)
東京都蔵前駅

Torigoe Shrine in Taito ward, Tokyo, is an ancient Shinto shrine over 1,300 years old, and a picturesque, photogenic spot to visit near Asakusabashi and Kuramae.

Torigoe Shrine's roots are a mix of birds and warriors. The shrine's history is said to go back to the 7th century, specifically 651 A.D. At that time, the ancestors of most of today's Japanese were driving out the native Ainu "barbarians." The leading warrior was the legendary Prince Yamato Takeru no Mikoto. And it is said that he stayed for a while in the area where the shrine now is. At that time the locals founded a shrine in memory of his stay called Shiratori ("White Bird") Shrine.

Then, about 400 years later the samurai warrior Minamoto no Yoshiie was active in this part of Japan. His role, again, was as defender against the northern "barbarians." Such was his prowess in war that he was given the name "Hachiman," the ancient god of war.

Legend has it that Minamoto no Yoshiie received advice from a white bird in what is now the Torigoe area. The bird told him of the existence of a nearby sand bar. Thanks to this, he was able to maneuver his army and achieve victory. From this came the name "Torigoe": tori meaning "bird" and goe meaning "going over."