【Makoto Shinkai Works】Weathering with You Sacred Sites Pilgrimage: Weather Shrine (Takakaido Hikawa Shrine) Complete Guide
The Weather Shrine (Takakaido Hikawa Shrine), which appears in the blockbuster film “Weathering with You” by director Makoto Shinkai and serves as an important setting in the work. Located in Takakaido, Suginami Ward, Tokyo, this shrine has attracted attention as a sacred pilgrimage spot visited by many fans after the film’s release. This article provides detailed information about the charm of the Weather Shrine, its history, how to access it, and its relationship with “Weathering with You.”
What is the Weather Shrine: Japan’s Only “Weather God Shrine”
The Weather Shrine is enshrined as a subsidiary shrine within the grounds of Takakaido Hikawa Shrine, and is Japan’s only shrine that presides over weather. Formally, it is not an independent shrine called “Weather Shrine,” but is positioned as a minor shrine of Takakaido Hikawa Shrine; however, due to its uniqueness, it is widely known as the “Weather Shrine.”
Enshrined Deity: Yagokoromoikakanenomikoto (Eight-Thoughted Deity)
The enshrined deity of the Weather Shrine is Yagokoromoikakanenomikoto. In Japanese mythology, this deity is known as the god of wisdom who, when the sun goddess Amaterasu hid in Ama-no-Iwato, gathered the gods together to share their wisdom and devised a plan to bring Amaterasu out of the cave.
It is said that Yagokoromoikakanenomikoto came to be revered as a weather deity based on the belief that deep wisdom is necessary to preside over the complex natural phenomenon of weather.
History of the Weather Shrine: Faith Inherited from the Imperial Japanese Army Meteorological Department
The history of the Weather Shrine dates back to World War II.
Founding During Wartime
In April 1944 (Showa 19), it was founded within the premises of the Imperial Japanese Army Meteorological Department, which was then located in Mabashi, Suginami Ward, to pray for the success of meteorological observations and the safety of meteorological observers. There is also a record that at that time it was not called the “Weather Shrine” but was revered as the “Seizan Shrine.”
Meteorological observation played an extremely important role in military operations during the war, and accurate weather forecasting was required. Therefore, the Army Meteorological Department enshrined a weather deity and daily prayed for the success of their observation work.
Postwar Relocation and Present Day
After the war ended in 1945 (Showa 20), the Imperial Japanese Army Meteorological Department was dissolved, but the Weather Shrine was not demolished. It was subsequently relocated and rebuilt within the grounds of the current Takakaido Hikawa Shrine in 1948 (Showa 23) by the chief priest of Takakaido Hikawa Shrine.
With this relocation, the shrine became accessible to the general public and began to attract worshippers from people whose work involves weather, and those wishing for fair weather.
Depiction of the Weather Shrine in “Weathering with You”
In “Weathering with You” (released in 2019) by director Makoto Shinkai, the Weather Shrine appears in an important scene in the story.
Scenes of Appearance in the Work
The scene where the protagonist Hodaka and heroine Hina visit is depicted impressively. In the film, the Weather Shrine appears as a place where Hina, as a “sunshine girl” with the ability to manipulate the weather, offers prayers while troubled by her abilities.
Through director Makoto Shinkai’s signature beautiful visual expression, the torii gate, shrine building, and atmosphere of the grounds are depicted in fine detail, faithfully recreating the actual shrine’s appearance.
Becoming a Popular Sacred Pilgrimage Spot
After the film’s release, cases of “Weathering with You” fans visiting the Weather Shrine as a sacred pilgrimage increased dramatically. Many fans can be seen taking photographs from the same angles as depicted in the film.
In particular, the small shrine building and torii gate of the Weather Shrine evoke the atmosphere of a scene from the movie, which has become a reason for many pilgrims to visit.
How to Access the Weather Shrine
The Weather Shrine (Takakaido Hikawa Shrine) is located within a residential neighborhood in Suginami Ward, Tokyo.
Address
Address: 〒166-0003 4-44-19 Takakaido Minami, Suginami Ward, Tokyo
Access by Train
The nearest station is JR Chuo Line/Sobu Line “Takakaido Station.”
- About 2 minutes walk from Takakaido Station South Exit
- Exit the station and pass through the South Exit shopping street (Takakaido Junjo Shopping Street), then enter the residential area and you will arrive shortly
- Access is extremely convenient, and even first-time visitors can arrive without getting lost
Access by Car and Parking
The shrine does not have a dedicated parking lot. While there are coin-operated parking lots in the surrounding area, parking spaces are limited due to the residential neighborhood. We recommend using public transportation.
Guide to the Weather Shrine Grounds
The grounds of Takakaido Hikawa Shrine have a quiet and peaceful atmosphere despite being in the middle of the city.
Main Hall (Takakaido Hikawa Shrine)
When visiting the Weather Shrine, it is proper etiquette to first pay respects at the main hall of Takakaido Hikawa Shrine. The main hall enshrines Susanoo-no-Mikoto and others.
Weather Shrine Building
If you proceed to the left and back from the main hall, you will find the small shrine building of the Weather Shrine. A vermillion torii gate marks the spot, and while it is a modest shrine building, it has a unique presence.
In front of the shrine building, numerous ema (votive plaques) with weather-related wishes are enshrined, and they contain diverse wishes such as “prayers for fair weather,” “rain prayers,” and “passing the meteorological forecaster exam.”
Geta-Shaped Votive Plaques
One of the characteristic offerings at the Weather Shrine is the geta-shaped ema (votive plaque). Named after the old Japanese custom of determining weather by tossing geta (wooden clogs), this unique design has become popular.
Ema Seal and Amulet Information
The Weather Shrine grants special ema seals and amulets.
Ema Seal
At the office of Takakaido Hikawa Shrine, you can receive the ema seal of the Weather Shrine. The ema seal, featuring ink writing of “Weather Shrine” and the shrine’s stamp, is popular as a commemorative item from a sacred pilgrimage.
Initial Offering Price: Usually 300-500 yen (may vary depending on the season)
Amulets and Offerings
The Weather Shrine provides original amulets and offerings related to weather.
- Hare Mamori (Fair Weather Amulet): Popular before events where fair weather is desired, such as weddings and sports days
- Weather Shrine Amulet: Popular with those aiming to become meteorological forecasters and those working in weather-related fields
- Geta Votive Plaque: A geta-shaped votive plaque where you can write and offer your wishes
After the release of “Weathering with You,” more movie fans have come to seek these offerings.
Blessings of the Weather Shrine
The Weather Shrine is said to provide the following blessings.
Fair Weather Prayer
The most common blessing is fair weather prayer. Many people visit to pray before events where fair weather is desired, such as weddings, sports days, school outings, and trips.
Fulfillment of Work for Weather-Related Professionals
Meteorological forecasters, pilots, farmers, fishermen, and others whose work involves weather visit to pray for safety and success in their work.
Prayer for Passing the Meteorological Forecaster Exam
Many test-takers visit to pray for passing the meteorological forecaster exam, which is known to be difficult. Many votive plaques can be seen with “meteorological forecaster exam passage” written on them.
Warding Off Evil Spirits and Good Fortune
Some people visit to pray to avoid disasters caused by adverse weather and for their daily lives to proceed smoothly.
Manners and Precautions When Worshipping
Here are some basic manners and precautions when visiting the Weather Shrine.
Visiting Hours
The grounds are generally open for worship 24 hours, but the granting of ema seals and amulets is limited to the hours when the shrine office is open.
Shrine Office Hours: Usually 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (may vary depending on the season)
Photography Manners
When taking photographs for sacred pilgrimage, please note the following points.
- Be considerate of other worshippers
- Do not speak loudly or make noise
- If using a tripod, be careful not to block pathways
- Refrain from photographing the interior of the main hall or shrine building
Consideration for Residential Neighborhood
The Weather Shrine is located in a residential neighborhood. Do not forget to be considerate of nearby residents and worship quietly.
Nearby Tourist Spots
Here are some spots in the Takakaido area that you can enjoy when visiting the Weather Shrine.
Takakaido Junjo Shopping Street
A shopping street on the way from the station to the Weather Shrine. Individual shops with a Showa-era atmosphere line the street, with a wealth of used clothing stores, cafes, and miscellaneous goods shops.
Takakaido Central Park
The main venue for the “Takakaido Awa Odori” held every August. It normally serves as a place of relaxation for local residents.
Za Takakaido
A theater exclusively for drama run by Suginami Ward. Featuring beautiful modern architecture, various theatrical performances are held.
Other Sacred Sites in “Weathering with You”
In addition to the Weather Shrine, “Weathering with You” features many real locations in Tokyo.
Yoyogi Kaikan
An important setting where Hodaka and Hina meet. Although demolished in 2019, it is depicted impressively in the film.
Tabata Station Area
Depicted as the place where Hodaka lived, with Tabata Station and the surrounding streetscape 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 the office of “K&A Planning,” where Hodaka works, is located.
Many fans plan “Weathering with You” sacred pilgrimage tours visiting these sites.
Conclusion: Experience the World of “Weathering with You” at the Weather Shrine
The Weather Shrine (Takakaido Hikawa Shrine) has long attracted the faith of many people as Japan’s only shrine that presides over weather. It has become known to even more people after appearing in director Makoto Shinkai’s “Weathering with You” and has gained popularity as a sacred pilgrimage site.
With convenient access from the city center, this shrine, while compact, has a unique atmosphere and is a special place not only for movie fans but for all those wishing for fair weather. Why not visit it together with a walk around the Takakaido neighborhood?
At this shrine that presides over weather, a natural phenomenon closely related to our lives, please offer your wishes through worship. You should be able to have a precious experience of feeling the worldview of “Weathering with You” while touching upon Japan’s traditional faith culture.
