A Complete Guide to Okunitama-jinja Shrine in Fuchu: Blessings, Highlights, and the Amazing 1,900-Year History of the “Musashi-no-Kuni Soja”!
Okunitama-jinja Shrine is nestled in Fuchu City, Tokyo. With a long and storied history spanning about 1,900 years, it is beloved as the guardian deity of “Musashi-no-Kuni”—an ancient region that once covered Tokyo, Saitama, and parts of Kanagawa.
In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the shrine’s history, the types of “blessings” (good luck) you can receive, and the must-visit spiritual “power spots” within the grounds that you’ll want to know about before your visit!
Why Okunitama-jinja is Called One of the "Strongest" Spiritual Spots in Tokyo
The biggest reason why Okunitama-jinja is more than just your average shrine is its status as the “Musashi-no-Kuni Soja.”
What exactly is a "Soja"?
In the past, when a Kokushi (a high-ranking official similar to today’s prefectural governor) was appointed to a new region, one of their important duties was to visit all the major shrines in that area. However, visiting every single one required an incredible amount of time and effort.
To solve this, a special shrine was built near the Kokufu (the regional government office) to enshrine all the local deities together in one place. This allowed the official to pay their respects to all the gods at once. This is the origin of the “Soja.”
Can You Visit All the Major Shrines of Tokyo, Saitama, and Kanagawa in Just One Trip?
Inside the Honden (Main Shrine) of Okunitama-jinja, the primary deity Okunitama-no-Okami is enshrined together with the deities of six major shrines in the Musashi region, known as the “Rokusho.”
In other words, visiting Okunitama-jinja is believed to grant you the same powerful blessings as visiting all six of the following shrines combined:
Ichinomiya (The First Shrine): Ono-jinja Shrine (Tama City, Tokyo)
Ninomiya (The Second Shrine): Ninomiya-jinja Shrine (Akiruno City, Tokyo)
Sannomiya (The Third Shrine): Hikawa-jinja Shrine (Saitama City, Saitama)
Shinomiya (The Fourth Shrine): Chichibu-jinja Shrine (Chichibu City, Saitama)
Gonomiya (The Fifth Shrine): Kanasana-jinja Shrine (Kodama District, Saitama)
Rokunomiya (The Sixth Shrine): Sugiyama-jinja Shrine (Yokohama City, Kanagawa)
This “concentration of divine power” is one of the main reasons why so many people are drawn to this sacred place.
The Primary Deity and the Blessings of Okunitama-jinja Shrine
Primary Deity: Okunitama-no-Okami
Okunitama-no-Okami is believed to be the same deity as Okuninushi-no-Kami, famously enshrined at Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine.
He is a benevolent “God of Fortune” filled with compassion. Legend has it that he taught the people of Musashi-no-Kuni the essentials of daily life—clothing, food, and housing—and even shared his knowledge of medicine and healing arts.
Main Blessings
Yakuyoke & Yakubarai (Ward off evil / Purification): As a place where the powers of many deities gather, it is believed to have a powerful force for protecting you from bad luck and purifying your spirit.
Enmusubi (Matchmaking / Good Relationships): Known as a God of Fortune, he is also famous for bringing people together and creating wonderful personal and professional connections.
Shobai-hanjo (Business Prosperity): Because this area was once the political and economic center (the “Kokufu”), many people come here to pray for success in their careers, business growth, and prosperity.
Exploring the Grounds! 5 Must-See Highlights You Can’t Miss
Within the vast shrine grounds, there are many incredible spots scattered around that are just as worth seeing as the Honden (Main Shrine).
Baba Daimon no Keyaki Namiki (Zelkova Tree-lined Path) — A National Natural Monument
The approach to the shrine features a stunning path lined with Keyaki (Zelkova) trees. This tradition is said to have started when the famous samurai Minamoto no Yoriyoshi and his son, Yoshiie, donated saplings as a thank-you gift for their victory in battle.
Now designated as a National Natural Monument, walking through this lush “green tunnel” is a refreshing experience that feels like it’s washing your soul clean.
A 1,000-Year-Old Giant! The Sacred "O-Icho" (Ginkgo Tree) behind the Main Shrine
Standing quietly behind the Honden (Main Shrine) is the O-Icho, a giant ginkgo tree estimated to be around 1,000 years old.
Legend says that long ago, small freshwater snails called Nina lived at the base of this tree. Thanks to the moisture they provided, the tree was miraculously saved from spreading fires. Even today, it is widely popular as a “power spot” where visitors can feel a deep sense of spiritual energy.
Miyanome-jinja Shrine
Though it is a small shrine located along the approach, it is famous as a place to pray for safe childbirth and the performing arts. It is well-known that Minamoto no Yoritomo’s wife, Hojo Masako, prayed here for a safe delivery. There is a unique custom of offering a Hishaku (wooden ladle) with its bottom removed as a prayer for an easy birth—symbolizing that the baby will pass through as smoothly as water through the ladle.
Tsuru-ishi (Crane Stone) and Kame-ishi (Turtle Stone)
Located near the Zuishin-mon gate are two special stones. Since ancient times, they have been cherished as symbols of good luck and longevity. Be sure to look for the “Tsuru-ishi” (Crane Stone) and the “Kame-ishi” (Turtle Stone) during your visit!
Hitogata-nagashi (Paper Doll Floating Ritual)
There is a dedicated spot on the shrine grounds where you can perform a ritual to transfer any physical ailments or spiritual impurities onto a Hitogata (a human-shaped paper doll) and float it away in the water. This traditional act of purification is highly recommended for anyone looking to refresh both their mind and body.
Opening Hours: Hours vary by season. Please check the official website for the latest details.
Nearest Stations:
Keio Line: 5-minute walk from the South Exit of Fuchu Station.
JR Musashino Line & Nambu Line: 5-minute walk from Fuchu-Honmachi Station.
Parking: Available (Free parking for shrine visitors).
This is the main annual festival of Okunitama-jinja Shrine, held every year from April 30th to May 6th. It is counted as one of the "Three Unique Festivals of the Kanto Region." The festival’s highlight occurs on the night of May 5th, when eight Mikoshi (portable shrines) are paraded through the streets. In the past, the ritual was conducted in total darkness with all lights extinguished, which is why it came to be known as the "Kurayami Matsuri" (Darkness Festival).
You can receive a Goshuin at either the Shamuso (shrine office) to the left of the Haiden (Worship Hall) or the Juyosho (amulet office) to the right. In addition to the standard Goshuin, they also offer special Goshuin-cho (stamp books) designed specifically for visiting the Soja (Grand Shrines) across Japan.
The Karasu-uchiwa is a special sacred fan distributed only during the Sumomo-matsuri (Plum Festival) held every year on July 20th. It is traditionally believed that waving this fan will drive away pests from crops and protect people from illness. Even today, it is a common custom to display the fan at the entrance of one’s home as a powerful charm to ward off misfortune and bring good health to the family.
With 1,900 years of history, Okunitama-jinja Shrine is a spiritual landmark where the “power” of the ancient Musashi Province converges.
Whether you are seeking blessings for warding off bad luck or finding a good match, it is a perfect destination for a refreshing weekend getaway. We highly recommend combining your visit with a peaceful stroll through the Zelkova-lined approach and enjoying the local cuisine around Fuchu Station.
This article was brought to you by the “Another TOKYO TAMA” editorial team, managed by the Tama Tourism Promotion Council, which shares travel information for Fuchu City and the entire Tama region.
Okunitama-jinja Shrine Official Website:
https://www.ookunitamajinja.or.jp/
Discover more about the Tama region at “Another TOKYO TAMA”:
https://at-tama.tokyo/lang_en/
