2025.04.12

Shinjuku Shrine and Kumano Shrine

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When you escape the hustle and bustle of Shinjuku Station and step into a corner of Nishi-Shinjuku where skyscrapers are lined up, you will find a tranquil space that will make you forget the hustle and bustle of the city. This is the Kumano Shrine, which continues to protect the area as the chief guardian of Shinjuku, and the former Kakuhaku Twelve Shrines.

Article Contents

The ancient forest that lives in the city and the god of the blossoming of talent
- The Twelve Shrines of Kakuhaku Kumano: History and the Weight of Faith

The ancient forest that lives in the city and the god of the blossoming of talent

Shinjuku Station, which boasts the largest number of passengers in Japan, has developed as a transportation hub. In the Edo period, it was bustling as a post town on the Koshu Highway, and the place name "Shinjuku" was born, which means a new post. Today, Nishi-Shinjuku, which is lined with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and skyscrapers, was once an idyllic rural area called Kakukaku Village.

It is difficult to imagine from the present day that in the land of Nishi-Shinjuku, which has undergone unimaginable transformations, there once existed a mysterious forest called "Kakuhaku no Mori". However, the remnants of this can certainly be felt when walking through Shinjuku Central Park. A large tree that seems to be hundreds of years old still spreads its branches, quietly telling the memory of the forest of the past.

Kumano Shrine, which is adjacent to Shinjuku Central Park, sits in a corner of the Kakusaki Forest. Surrounded by dense trees, the precincts are surrounded by tranquility that makes you forget the hustle and bustle of the city, and gently welcome visitors.

The 100 Views of Edo, a famous place painted by the Edo period painter Hiroshige Ando, depicts the "Twelve Shrine Ponds" that once existed beside the shrine. The two ponds, one large and one small, and the "Twelve Waterfalls" that flow down from them, made Kumano Shrine known as one of Edo's most scenic spots. Even on a hot day in the middle of summer, it was so cool that it felt cold when you entered the Kakuhaku Forest, and it was crowded with people cooling off by the pond and visiting the tea house.

However, with the passage of time, the beautiful scenery also disappeared. The last reclamation was carried out in Showa 43, and the ponds of the 12 companies completely disappeared. Vestiges of the past live only in the few remaining trees and in people's memories.

Even so, Kumano Shrine continues to attract people's faith as the chief guardian of Shinjuku. Tucked away in a corner of the city, it gives the illusion of going back in time.

When you step into the temple grounds, you can see that the air is clear. As if a barrier had been put up, there is a special space that is completely cut off from the hustle and bustle of the outside world.

The Twelve Shrines of Kakuhaku Kumano: History and the Weight of Faith

The Kakuhaku Kumano Twelve Shrines have been widely known as amusement grounds since the eighth shogun, Tokugawa Yoshimune, visited them during the Edo period. In the Meiji era, teahouses and restaurants were built one after another, and its popularity as a scenic spot further increased.

The two large and small "Twelve Shrine Ponds" and the "Twelve Shrine Falls" that flow down from them fascinate visitors, and their beauty has been recorded by many painters and literati. The forest is blessed with abundant nature that is hard to believe in the center of the city, and it is said that "even on a hot day in the middle of summer, you will feel cold while spending time in this forest." On the shore of the pond, many people came to Naryo in search of coolness, and the teahouse was very busy.

However, the waves of the times were steadily surging, and with the progress of urban development, the Kakukaku Forest and the Twelve Shrines Pond gradually disappeared. In Showa 43, the pond completely disappeared due to the last reclamation, and almost no vestiges of its former appearance remain.

Even so, the 12 shrines of Kakuhaku Kumano are still worshipped by many people as the chief guardian of Shinjuku. With the memory of the lost landscape in their hearts, people visit the shrine in silent prayer and in search of peace of mind.

A testament to the history of the precincts

When you step into the temple grounds, the first thing that jumps out at you is the "Monument of the Twelve Shrines". This monument was erected in March 1851 in the 4th year of Kaei to convey to future generations that the ponds of the Twelve Shrines were once a scenic spot in the western suburbs of Edo with ponds and waterfalls. The monument is engraved with words of praise for the attachment of the people of that time to the 12 shrines and the beauty of the landscape.

As you read the inscription, you can see the bustle of the pond of the former Twelve Shrines and the smiles of the people who gather there. This monument is a precious place to remember the lost landscape and to feel the weight of history firsthand.

As you go to the back of the temple grounds, you will find yourself in a silence that feels like a different world. As if the hustle and bustle of Shinjuku is a lie, the calm air flows and the mind is at ease. The grounds are well cleaned, and the manicured trees are beautiful and green.

The shrine hall has a stately appearance and gives a sense of dignity as the general guardian of Shinjuku. Worshippers come one after another, quietly joining hands and praying with their wishes.

The charm of Kumano Shrine, the god of talent blossoming

Kumano Shrine is not only a shrine with a long history, but also a shrine where talents can flourish. For those who are doing creative work, engaging in creative activities, and those who want to do creative work in the future, Kumano Shrine is truly the best shrine.

The gods enshrined in Kumano Shrine are the gods of wisdom and talent, and it is said that visiting them can enhance creativity and bring out their potential. In particular, there is a strong faith in people involved in the arts and performing arts, and many creators visit this shrine to pray for success.

In the precincts, Benzaiten and Otori Sansha are also enshrined. Benzaiten is known as the god of music, entertainment, and fortune, and is worshipped by people who wish for the blossoming of talent. The three shrines are known as the gods of prosperity in business and good luck, and are worshipped by people who wish for the success of their businesses.

The Kumano Shrine, which enshrines these gods, can be said to be a power spot for the blossoming of talent. If you want to boost your creativity, unleash your potential, or achieve success, you should definitely visit Kumano Shrine.

Connection with Shinjuku Central Park, an ancient forest that lives in Shinjuku

When talking about the charm of Kumano Shrine, we must not forget the existence of the adjacent Shinjuku Central Park. Shinjuku Central Park is part of the former Kakuki Forest and has been closely associated with Kumano Shrine.

In the park, there are many large trees that are hundreds of years old, and the remnants of the former forest are still preserved. These large trees not only make you forget the hustle and bustle of the city, but also make you feel the power of nature.

Strolling through the park makes you feel as if you've traveled back in time. How rich was the nature of the forest in the past? How beautiful was the scenery of the pond of the Twelve Shrines?

Shinjuku Central Park is a must-visit when visiting Kumano Shrine. By strolling through the park, you will be able to gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture of Kumano Shrine.

An oasis in the city, a peaceful space

Kumano Shrine is a peaceful space tucked away in a corner of the city. It is a place where you can get away from the hustle and bustle and quietly face yourself, and it is also a place where you can relieve daily stress and refresh yourself.

When you step into the temple grounds, the fresh air envelops your body and you feel as if your heart is being washed. The greenery of the trees, the chirping of birds, the sound of the wind, everything is pleasant and soothing to the mind and body.

Kumano Shrine is irreplaceable for those of us who live in the city. In the midst of our busy lives, it is very important to take time to pause, get in touch with nature, and quiet our minds in order to maintain our physical and mental health.

Kumano Shrine is a place that gives you just such a time, and it will continue to be loved by many people as an oasis in the city.

Summary: Visiting Shinjuku Shrine and Kumano Shrine

Kumano Shrine is a fascinating shrine that weaves history, culture, nature, and faith. When you visit Shinjuku, I want you to visit it and feel its charm firsthand.

With the memories of the former Kakuhaku Forest and the Twelve Ponds in our hearts, we pray quietly and let the god of talent blossom give us strength. Take a stroll through Shinjuku Central Park, feel the power of nature, forget the hustle and bustle of the city, and spend a relaxing time.

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