Experienced history in an urban setting at Shinagawa Shrine. This shrine is said to have been founded in the late Heian period by Minamoto no Yoritomo, the first shogun of the Kamakura shogunate, and it later became closely associated with the famed shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. It is said that Ieyasu prayed at the shrine for victory before key battles, and it gradually gained renown as a place for prayers related to success, protection, and good fortune. Over the centuries, Shinagawa Shrine has remained deeply connected to the local community, serving as a spiritual anchor for people living along the former Tokaido route. Within the grounds, visitors can worship deities associated with maritime safety, reflecting Shinagawa’s historical role as a coastal gateway to Edo. Beside the main hall stands Ana Inari Shrine, instantly recognizable by its vivid red torii gates that form a striking, tunnel-like path and are believed to bring blessings for prosperity and business success. Deeper within the precincts lies the grave of Itagaki Taisuke, a leading figure in Japan’s Freedom and People’s Rights Movement, adding an unexpected connection to modern political history. During festivals, the kagura hall hosts sacred performances, including Daidai Kagura, designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Tokyo. Another popular spot is Shinagawa Fuji, a small hill built for devotional climbing, which can be ascended in just a few minutes and rewards visitors with views over the surrounding city. Together, these elements make Shinagawa Shrine a place where ancient beliefs, modern history, and contemporary Tokyo coexist.