Shrine · Sendagaya

Hatonomori Hachiman Shrine 鳩森八幡神社

A leafy neighbourhood shrine in Sendagaya with Tokyo's oldest surviving Fuji-zuka, a mini Mt. Fuji built in 1789 that you can climb, and a shogi connection thanks to the Japan Shogi Association next door.

About

Legend says white doves flew out of this grove as a sign from the gods, giving Hatonomori ("dove forest") its name. The shrine's highlight is its Fuji-zuka, built in 1789 and thought to be the oldest remaining in Tokyo: a mound about six metres high, covered with lava rock from Mt. Fuji itself, with a winding path, small shrines and a stone marker at the "summit". In Edo times such mounds let commoners make a symbolic pilgrimage to the sacred mountain. The neighbouring Shogi Kaikan, home of the Japan Shogi Association, explains the shogi-piece-shaped ema and the shogi hall on the grounds, where pros come to pray before big title matches. The September festival brings the neighbourhood out.

Highlights

• Fuji-zuka from 1789, believed to be the oldest surviving in Tokyo, climb its lava-rock path
• Shogi-piece-shaped ema and the Shogi-do hall, linked to the Japan Shogi Association next door
• Name from the legend of white doves flying from the grove
• Quiet local precinct a few minutes from the National Stadium
• Shogi-themed omamori popular with players before tournaments

Tips

• Kita-sando Station (Fukutoshin Line) and JR Sendagaya Station are both about 5 minutes away.
• The Fuji-zuka path is narrow and steep, go slowly and don't climb when wet.
• Shogi fans can combine it with a look at the Shogi Kaikan shop next door.
• Pair it with a walk through Meiji Jingu Gaien or Shinjuku Gyoen's Sendagaya gate.

Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09

Nearby

• Hope-ken SendagayaRamen & Noodles · 300 m away
• National Noh TheatreShows & Entertainment · 320 m away
• Tokyo Metropolitan GymnasiumLandmark & Tower · 360 m away
• Japan National StadiumLandmark & Tower · 460 m away
• FILMCAMERA TOKYOCamera Store · 460 m away
• DenRestaurant · 580 m away
• Japan Olympic MuseumMuseum · 600 m away
• Togo ShrineShrine · 740 m away