Shrine · Ichigaya

Ichigaya Kamegaoka Hachimangu 市谷亀岡八幡宮

A hilltop Hachiman shrine above Ichigaya founded by Edo Castle's builder Ota Dokan, now a favourite with pet owners for its dog and cat charms and seasonal goshuin.

About

Ota Dokan, the warrior who built the first Edo Castle, founded this shrine in 1479 as a western guardian of the castle, enshrining a branch of Kamakura's Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, hence the name "Kamegaoka" (turtle hill), mirroring Tsurugaoka (crane hill). It moved to its present hilltop in Ichigaya in the 1630s. Climb the long stone stairs from the moat-side street to reach a quiet precinct with a bronze torii from 1740, one of the oldest in Tokyo. The shrine has become known for pet-related worship: you can pray with your pet and buy dog- and cat-themed omamori and ema, and it issues popular seasonal and limited-edition goshuin. Its main festival takes place in September.

Highlights

• Founded in 1479 by Ota Dokan, builder of the first Edo Castle
• Bronze torii dating from 1740, among the oldest in Tokyo
• Pet-friendly prayers with dog and cat omamori and ema
• Colourful seasonal and limited-edition goshuin
• Hilltop view down toward the Ichigaya outer moat and its cherry trees

Tips

• Ichigaya Station (JR / Yurakucho / Namboku / Shinjuku Lines) is about 3 minutes away.
• Visit in late March to combine with cherry blossoms along the Sotobori moat.
• Pets are welcome but should be on a lead or in a carrier.
• Limited goshuin designs change monthly; check the shrine's board or social media.

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

Nearby

• Ichigaya Fish CenterActivities & Experiences · 210 m away
• Sotobori ParkPark · 730 m away
• Coin Lockers · Yotsuya StationLuggage Storage · 800 m away
• Yushukan MuseumMuseum · 840 m away
• Jazz Kissa Eagle (Yotsuya)Bars & Nightlife · 850 m away
• Yasukuni ShrineShrine · 900 m away
• St. Ignatius Catholic ChurchLandmark & Tower · 920 m away
• Sushi YasumitsuSushi & Seafood · 930 m away