Imado Shrine

3.5

The Imado Shrine in Taito City is known as the birthplace of the “Maneki-neko” (the Beckoning Lucky Cat). The origins of the establishment of the shrine are considered to be in 1063 after a transfer of a deity from Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine, Kyoto at the time of the suppression of Oshu by Minamoto no Yoriyoshi and Yoshiie. There are various theories on the origins of the Beckoning Lucky Cat, but it is said that its roots lie in Imado porcelain which was fired in Imado from the 16th century. On the grounds there are many related objects such as a “monument dedicated to the place of origin of Imado porcelain” and the “Nade (stroked) cat statue”. There is no end to the female worshippers visiting the shrine as it is the shrine of the deities of marriage. It is also visited by worshippers who like history as it is the site of the demise of Okita Soji and the Shinsengumi (a special police force in Kyoto during the late shogunate period).

Spot details

Address: Tokyo Taitou-ku Imado 1-5-22 Map
Area: Asakusa Area
Phone: 0338722703
Hours: [Hours of Operation]9:00-16:00
Closed: open everyday
Parking Lot: Not available
Smoking: Not available
Wi-Fi: Not available

Information Sources: NAVITIME JAPAN

Review

Happy we went

Reviewed : 2023.04.08

This is a small shrine and served as a great introduction to Japan on our first morning. We were the only ones there and had a chance to chat with the woman working there. I wanted to go there due to...
初詣に

Reviewed : 2020.01.13

招き猫発祥地とされる今戸神社。浅草駅から徒歩15分程かかりますが、道中にスカイツリー、金の泡らしいが他のものに見えてならないオブジェ等が視界に入り、意外と直ぐかも。猫の絵馬、おみくじ、巨大な招き猫♂♀が祀られており、縁結びで有名な神社です。浅草七福神の一つでも。The god of match making is worshipped her. Also famous for its...
Cats Galore

Reviewed : 2019.06.01

I didnt see any real cats wandering around here until one appeared at the end of our visit. But there are cat figurines; cat charms; cat vases; cat drawings; myriad depictions of Maneki Neko, the...