Inokashira Park Benzaiten Shrine
Mitaka, Tokyo Japan
It was a beautiful day in Tokyo amidst the Coronavirus pandemic. While many are able to obey the stay-at-home order. I was on my way to work. Before staying in another building for hours on end I detoured into nature, in the middle of the concert jungle.
I found nature and a god. To be precise, the goddess Benzaiten. This goddess is said to have a jealous side and lashes out at lovestruck couples that pass by.
The lovely shrine is situated on an island within Inokashira park. This is appropriate as Benzaiten is a goddess of water. There is a hidden statue located in the shrine, which depicted the beautiful goddess with eight arms. It can only be viewed by the public every 12 years, during the year of the snake.
One would think that couples would avoid this shrine. Her legend is well known, as she will curse the couple, causing them to break up. Yet, on the day I visited, I saw a few couples stop and pay their respects to the goddess. Were they temping fate? Risking the wrath of a goddess? Or just enjoying the beautiful shrine? Maybe all of the above.
The park is lovely in all seasons and houses numerous attractions like swan boats, wildlife, a small zoo, and the Ghibli Museum.
How to Get There
One minute walk from Inokashira Kouen Station (Keio Inokahsira Line)
Five minutes on foot from Kichijoji Station (JR Chuo Line, JR Soubu Line, Keio Inokashira Line).
Park entry is free. The park is open all day. Inokashira Benzaiten opens from 7:00 to 4:30. Time is subject to change.
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