Japan’s only shrine that enshrines the deity who governs the weather. In Koenji, pray for a cheerful, clear‑hearted day.
A healing, wish-granting power spot where you can meet a unique weather deity
【高円寺氷川神社・気象神社】
Located just a short walk from Koenji Station in Tokyo, "高円寺氷川神社". In a quiet corner of the grounds that watch over the local community, there is Japan’s only shrine dedicated to praying for the "weather", "気象神社" . Within the same precincts, it’s a slightly special spot where you can encounter both the warmth of the "shitamachi" downtown and the uniquely charming "weather god".
Top 3 Highlights
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1. Japan’s only “気象神社” and “晴守り”
The enshrined deity of the Weather Shrine is “八意思兼命（やごころおもいかねのみこと),” who in the myths of the Kojiki is said to have restored the light of the sun. As a deity who governs the weather, people visit not only to pray for clear skies, but also for safe travels and fine weather on important days. The popular “晴守り（はれまもり）” reminds you each time you carry the amulet of the message “may your heart be bright and clear.”
©高円寺氷川神社
2. Unique weather-themed offerings and 御朱印
At the shrine office, unique amulets and ema adorned with familiar weather-forecast icons like the “thunderbolt mark” and “umbrella” are distributed. Particularly popular are the “下駄絵馬,” designed with seasonal flowers and weather motifs, and the limited 御朱印 whose designs change monthly. They are so cute you’ll want to collect them, and they’re perfect as a record of your visit.
©高円寺氷川神社
3. Ingenious touches around the grounds that wish for sunny weather
Within the grounds is a genuine “meteorological observation instrument” certified by the Japan Meteorological Agency, displaying the actual temperature and wind speed. There is also a quietly seated stone statue of the calico cat “ミケさん,” who is said to have once lived at the Weather Shrine—a spot irresistible to cat lovers. The grounds are filled with features that naturally make visitors wish, “May the weather be fine.”
©高円寺氷川神社
Facility information
| Name | 高円寺氷川神社・気象神社 |
| Address | 〒166-0003 東京都杉並区高円寺南4-44-19 |
| Access |
JR Chuo Line/Sobu Line Koenji Station 2 minutes on foot from Koenji Station ※ On Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, the JR Chuo Line (Rapid) does not stop at Koenji Station; please use the JR Sobu Line. |
| Parking |
Please use the parking lot within the shrine grounds. The parking lots at the bottom of the slope are for contract holders only, so parking is not allowed there. Parking for purposes other than worship is not permitted. There are times when parking within the precincts is unavailable due to shrine events or construction. |
| Visiting hours | Early morning to 17:00 (gates close) |
| Shrine office reception |
Weekdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays: 9:00–16:00 ※ Reception hours are subject to change, and there may be irregular holidays. ※ Before visiting, please check in advance with the office reception or the official Twitter (updated daily). |
| Official website | https://koenji-hikawa.com/ |
Other recommended information
Throughout the year, various events rooted in the local community are held.
🔸 Grand Festival (Meteorological Festival): Conducted on June 1 to coincide with “Meteorological Memorial Day,” it is the most important festival at the Weather Shrine.
🔸 Monthly changing goshuin: At Hikawa Shrine and the Weather Shrine, different seasonally inspired designs of goshuin are conferred.
🔸 Events in the precincts: On the official website, warm, community-focused news—such as the monthly “Bonsai of the Month” and safety prayers by companies in the parish area—is updated from time to time.
Through seasonal events and small daily prayers, it is a place where local residents and visitors are connected by the shared wish for “clear skies.”
©高円寺氷川神社
©高円寺氷川神社
©高円寺氷川神社
©高円寺氷川神社
References
- Koenji Hikawa Shrine & Weather Shrine official website: https://koenji-hikawa.com/
BASIC INFORMATION
| Name |
高円寺氷川神社・気象神社 (コウエンジ・ヒカワジンジャ／キショウジンジャ) |
|---|---|
| Address | 4-44-19 Koenji-Minami, Suginami-ku, Tokyo Access |
| Phone | 03-3314-4147 |
| Official URL | https://koenji-hikawa.com/ |
| Official Social Media |
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