This time, I toured from Ageo City, Saitama Prefecture to Suitengu Shrine in Chuo Ward, Tokyo on my beloved Harley-Davidson FLSB Sports Glide.
Suitengu is a shrine famous for being the god of safe childbirth and child-bearing, and is crowded with many worshipers on the 5th of every month and Dog Day. It was my first time going to Suitengu Shrine, so I was really looking forward to seeing what the atmosphere would be like.
The distance from Ageo City, Saitama Prefecture to Suitengu Shrine is approximately 45 km, and the journey time is approximately 1 hour.
I drove through National Route 17 and the Shin-Omiya bypass, entered Saitama City, and took the Shuto Expressway Omiya Line.
I was worried about the traffic on the Shuto Expressway, but luckily it ran smoothly.
If you take the Shuto Expressway No. 5 Ikebukuro Line and get off at Hakozaki IC, all you have to do is continue along Shin-Ohashi Street to your destination.
Shin-Ohashi Street is an old road that has continued since the Edo period, and along the way you can see historic streets such as Ningyocho and Nihonbashi. I headed to Suitengu Shrine while enjoying the scenery.
Highlights of Suitengu Shrine
Suitengu is a shrine that was built in 1818 as a branch of Kurume Suitengu.
The deities enshrined are Amanomi Nakasu no Kami, Emperor Antoku, Takakura Tairachugu Shrine (Kenreimonin), and the Second Rank Ama (Taira Tokiko). It protects water and children, and is the subject of prayers and gratitude for matters such as preventing water damage, fishing, shipping, agriculture, and water businesses. It is especially popular among pregnant women and couples, as it has strong beliefs about safe childbirth and childbirth.
Suitengu has a refreshing structure based on plain wood, and features metal fittings and carvings that have been passed down from generation to generation. This renovation also included a seismic isolation structure, making the shrine more in line with the times.
The divine messenger of Suitengu is a kappa. “Easy Birth and Childbirth Kappa” is a cute statue of small kappa clinging to their mother. When you visit, please take a look here as well. Kappa charms and bells are also sold as souvenirs.
Motorcycles must be parked nearby. The available parking spaces vary depending on the engine displacement and size, so please try to find the parking space that suits your bike. Another option is to park at a parking meter.
Summary
This time, I toured on a Harley-Davidson FLSB Sport Glide from Ageo City, Saitama Prefecture to Suitengu Shrine in Chuo Ward, Tokyo. Suitengu is a shrine that is famous for being the god of safe childbirth and child-bearing, and there are many things to see and souvenirs on the grounds.
It was my first time going there, but I really enjoyed being able to feel the history and culture.
The nearby Ningyocho also has a lot to see, so I would like to write about it next time.
