The Suiten-gū (水天宮, “Suiten Shrine”) is a Shintō shrine located in the Chūō district of Tokyo, known for its dedication to several significant deities¹. At Suiten-gū, important figures like Ame-no-minaka-nushi no kami (天御中主神), the deity of heaven, are honored, along with Emperor Antoku, his mother Kenreimon-in (建礼門院), and his grandmother Nii-no-ama (二位尼).

After the defeat of the Heike Clan in 1185 at the battle of Dan-no-ura, a major sea battle of the Genpei War in Shimonoseki, the then 6-year old Emperor Antoku and his grandmother took their own lives by jumping into the sea.

The shrine’s Japanese name also connects to Varuna, the Buddhist water god, reflecting the cultural blend found in Japan’s religious landscape.

The Suiten-gū (水天宮, ‘Suiten Shrine’) is more than just a shrine. What’s fascinating is that this place of worship has a rich history dating back to 1818, when the ninth daimyō of the Kurume Domain decided it was time to establish a branch of the Suitengū shrine from Fukuoka. Ready to welcome visitors every month on the fifth day, all in celebration of conception and safe childbirth.

It is popular to visit the shrine on Inu-no-hi (戌の日), the day of the dog in the Chinese Zodiac, which is believed to be good for safe childbirth wishes. Since the Edo period, people in Japan believe dogs bear young easily, and all of their puppies grow to be healthy.

In 1871,the Arima family, the shrine’s protectors, made a big move—literally! They relocated to Akasaka and took the shrine with them. A year later, Suiten-gū found a new home at its current location, right where one of their old mansions used to be.

Over the years, Suiten-gū hasn’t just stood still; it’s also undergone some impressive renovations! The shrine was lifted to make way for new developments underneath, all while keeping its sacred roots intact.But perhaps the most intriguing part of Suiten-gū is its unique blend of Shinto beliefs and influences from Hindu mythology. Here, you can see the rich tapestry of Japan’s religious landscape unfold, weaving together different traditions and cultures. Not just a spiritual haven, this shrine is also a community hub, with the nearby Suitengūmae Station named in its honor—a little nod to the beloved water deity celebrated here.

Did you know there are around twenty-five other shrines with the same name throughout Japan? It’s clear that Suiten-gū and its water deity have made quite the splash in the hearts of many! So, whether you’re a local or a traveler curious about the spiritual side of Japan, Suiten-gū is definitely worth a visit.

1. A deity, in a religious context, is typically viewed as a supernatural being with divine power, often worshipped and revered by followers for their influence over human affairs and the natural world. ↩︎