Weathering with You: A Complete Guide to the Tenki no Ko Weather Shrine
The Weather Shrine (Takanakaido Hikawa Shrine), which became a major hit location in director Makoto Shinkai’s masterpiece “Weathering with You,” is an important setting for the film. Located in Suginami Ward, Takaido, Tokyo, this shrine has become a pilgrimage destination for many fans following the film’s release. In this article, we’ll provide detailed information about the charm of the Weather Shrine, its history, access methods, and its connection to “Weathering with You.”
Weather Shrine: Japan’s Only “Weather Deity” Shrine
The Weather Shrine is enshrined as a minor shrine within the Takanakaido Hikawa Shrine grounds, serving as Japan’s only shrine that governs weather. Formally, it’s not an independent shrine called the “Weather Shrine” but rather a subsidiary shrine of Takanakaido Hikawa Shrine, yet it’s widely known as the “Weather Shrine” due to its uniqueness.
Enshrined Deity: Yagokoronomomoikanenomikoto
The deity enshrined at the Weather Shrine is Yagokoronomomoikanenomikoto. This god is known in Japanese mythology as the god of wisdom who, when the sun goddess Amaterasu hid in the Heavenly Rock Cave, gathered the deities together, shared wisdom, and devised a strategy to bring Amaterasu out of the cave.
The belief is that governing the complex natural phenomenon of weather requires deep wisdom, and thus Yagokoronomomoikanenomikoto came to be enshrined as the god of weather.
History of the Weather Shrine: Faith Inherited from the Military Meteorological Department
The history of the Weather Shrine traces back to the Second World War.
Construction During Wartime
In April 1944 (Showa 19), the shrine was built on the grounds of the Imperial Army Meteorological Department, which was located in Mabashi, Suginami Ward at the time, to pray for the success of meteorological observations and the safety of meteorological observers. There are records indicating that it was originally called “Seiran Shrine” rather than the “Weather Shrine.”
Meteorological observation played an extremely important role in military operations during the war, and accurate weather forecasting was demanded. Therefore, the Imperial Army Meteorological Department enshrined the weather deity and prayed daily for the success of their observation duties.
Postwar Relocation and Present
After the end of the war in 1945 (Showa 20), the Imperial Army Meteorological Department was disbanded, but the Weather Shrine was not demolished. Subsequently, in 1948 (Showa 23), it was relocated and rebuilt on the current grounds of Takanakaido Hikawa Shrine by the shrine’s chief priest.
Through this relocation, the general public became able to worship at the shrine, and it began to attract the faith of people working in weather-related fields and those wishing for fine weather.
Depiction of the Weather Shrine in “Weathering with You”
Director Makoto Shinkai’s “Weathering with You” (released in 2019) features the Weather Shrine in an important scene of the story.
Scenes in the Film
The scene where the protagonist Hodaka and heroine Hina visit is depicted impressively. In the film, Hina, troubled by her ability as the “sunshine girl” who can control the weather, visits the Weather Shrine as a place to offer prayers.
Through director Shinkai’s distinctive beautiful visual expression, the torii gate, shrine building, and atmosphere of the grounds of the Weather Shrine are depicted in fine detail, faithfully recreating the appearance of the actual shrine.
Popular Pilgrimage Destination
Following the film’s release, there was a sharp increase in cases of “Weathering with You” fans visiting the Weather Shrine for sacred location tours. Many fans can be seen taking photographs from the same angles depicted in the movie.
In particular, the small shrine building and torii gate of the Weather Shrine evoke the atmosphere of a scene from the film, which has become a reason for many pilgrims to visit.
Access to the Weather Shrine
The Weather Shrine (Takanakaido Hikawa Shrine) is located within a residential neighborhood in Suginami Ward, Tokyo.
Location
Address: 166-0003 Suginami Ward, Takaido, Tokyo 4-44-19
Access by Train
The nearest station is JR Chuo/Sobu Line “Takaido Station.”
- About 2 minutes on foot from Takaido Station South Exit
- Exit from the south exit and pass through the South Exit shopping street (Takaido Junjo Shopping Street), then enter the residential area to arrive
- Access is very convenient, and even first-time visitors can arrive without getting lost
Access by Car and Parking
The shrine does not have dedicated parking. While there are coin parking lots in the surrounding area, parking spaces are limited due to the residential neighborhood. Public transportation is recommended.
Guide to the Weather Shrine Grounds
The grounds of Takanakaido Hikawa Shrine have a quiet and peaceful atmosphere despite being in the heart of the city.
Main Hall (Takanakaido Hikawa Shrine)
When visiting the Weather Shrine, it’s proper etiquette to first pay your respects at the main hall of Takanakaido Hikawa Shrine. The main hall enshrines Susanoo no Mikoto and others.
Weather Shrine Building
Proceeding to the left rear of the main hall, you’ll find the small shrine building of the Weather Shrine. The bright red torii gate is a landmark, and though it’s a modest shrine building, its presence is unique.
In front of the shrine building, numerous ema (wooden prayer tablets) with weather-related wishes are displayed, including wishes such as “prayer for fine weather,” “rain petition,” and “success in the meteorological forecaster exam.”
Geta-Shaped Ema
One of the distinctive items distributed at the Weather Shrine is the geta-shaped ema (prayer tablet). Inspired by the ancient Japanese custom of “predicting the weather by throwing wooden clogs,” this unique design has become popular.
Omamori and Goshuin Information
The Weather Shrine distributes special goshuin (shrine seals) and amulets.
Goshuin
At the Takanakaido Hikawa Shrine office, you can receive the goshuin of the Weather Shrine. The goshuin, featuring calligraphy reading “Weather Shrine” and the shrine seal, is popular as a souvenir of the sacred location tour.
Initial Offering: Typically 300-500 yen (may vary depending on the season)
Amulets and Distributed Items
The Weather Shrine offers its own unique amulets and items related to weather.
- Hare-Mamori (Fair Weather Amulet): Popular before events where fine weather is desired, such as weddings or sports days
- Weather Shrine Amulet: Popular among those aiming to become meteorological forecasters or those working in weather-related fields
- Geta Ema: A geta-shaped prayer tablet where you can write and offer your wishes
Following the release of “Weathering with You,” more movie fans have come to seek these distributed items.
Blessings of the Weather Shrine
The Weather Shrine is said to offer the following blessings.
Fair Weather Prayer
The most common blessing is fair weather prayer. Many people visit to pray before events where they wish for fine weather, such as weddings, sports days, field trips, and travels.
Success in Weather-Related Work
Meteorological forecasters, pilots, farmers, fishery workers, and others in weather-related professions visit to pray for the safety and success of their work.
Meteorological Forecaster Exam Success Prayer
Many exam candidates taking the challenging meteorological forecaster exam visit to pray for success. The ema display many writings of “meteorological forecaster exam success.”
Exorcism and Good Fortune
Some people pray to avoid weather-related disasters and for their daily life to proceed smoothly.
Etiquette and Precautions When Visiting
Here are the basic etiquette and precautions when visiting the Weather Shrine.
Visiting Hours
The grounds are generally open for worship 24 hours, but goshuin and amulet distribution is limited to times when the shrine office is open.
Shrine Office Reception Hours: Typically 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (may vary depending on the season)
Photography Etiquette
When taking photos for sacred location tours, keep the following points in mind:
- Be considerate not to disturb other worshippers
- Avoid speaking loudly or making noise
- If using a tripod, be careful not to block pathways
- Refrain from photographing inside the main hall or shrine building
Consideration for the Residential Neighborhood
The Weather Shrine is located within a residential neighborhood. Remember to be considerate of nearby residents and worship quietly.
Nearby Tourist Spots
Here are some spots around Takaido that you can enjoy when visiting the Weather Shrine.
Takaido Junjo Shopping Street
A shopping street along the route from the station to the Weather Shrine. It maintains Showa-era atmosphere with unique shops, including vintage clothing stores, cafes, and miscellaneous goods shops.
Takaido Central Park
The main venue for the “Takaido Awa Odori” held every August. Ordinarily, it serves as a gathering place for local residents.
Kura Takaido
A theater facility in Suginami Ward dedicated to theatrical performances. Known for its beautiful contemporary architectural design, it hosts various theatrical productions.
Other Sacred Locations from “Weathering with You”
Beyond the Weather Shrine, “Weathering with You” features numerous real locations throughout Tokyo.
Yoyogi Hall
The important stage where Hodaka and Hina meet. Though demolished in 2019, it’s depicted impressively in the film.
Around Tabata Station
Depicted as the place where Hodaka lived, with Tabata Station and surrounding streets appearing in the film.
Roppongi Hills
A Tokyo landmark appearing in the climactic scenes of the story.
Shinjuku and Kabukicho
Depicted as the area where Hodaka works at “K&A Planning” office.
Many fans plan “Weathering with You” sacred location pilgrimage tours visiting these locations.
Conclusion: Experience the World of “Weathering with You” at the Weather Shrine
The Weather Shrine (Takanakaido Hikawa Shrine), as Japan’s only shrine governing weather, has long gathered faith from many people. With its appearance in director Makoto Shinkai’s “Weathering with You,” it has become known to even more people and gained popularity as a sacred location pilgrimage site.
With convenient access from the city center and a unique atmosphere despite its compact size, this shrine is a special place not only for movie fans but for all those wishing for fine weather. Why not visit it as part of exploring the Takaido neighborhood?
At this shrine that governs weather, a natural phenomenon closely connected to our daily lives, offer your wishes in prayer. You’ll be able to have a precious experience of feeling the world of “Weathering with You” while touching Japan’s traditional faith and culture.
