This site is a web media that delivers all kinds of trivia, from sightseeing and gourmet spots in the six Tohoku prefectures to local, customs, and history.
This time, we'll be introducing Hebizuka, a power spot located in Momiji Valley in Shiba Park, right next to Tokyo Tower. There are four Jizo statues in the area, and behind the furthest Jizo, a sacred snake is enshrined. This place is said to be effective in increasing your luck with money and career advancement, and it really is!
Why are snakes worshipped?
But why is a snake enshrined there? This question suddenly occurred to me, so I spoke to someone at Shinkoin Temple, which manages the snake mound. "This snake mound was built by Kaminari Shiho, who is originally from Akita Prefecture and used to run the Izakaya Akita in Shinjuku. Apparently, a snake appeared in Kaminari's dream. Kaminari became curious about the snake and asked someone he usually consults with about various things, who told him, 'The snake is your guardian deity.' Apparently, they recommended that Shiba Park be the perfect location, so he came to the previous head of the temple to ask for permission to build a snake mound." Kaminari's daughter, Kaminari Mio, said: was a potter, and she created the sacred object of worship at Hebizuka. This was about 30 to 40 years ago. Kaminari's izakaya was a popular gathering spot for literary figures and celebrities. While there's no special way to pray, many people say that visiting Hebizuka will improve career luck and financial fortune. People in the restaurant industry also say that visiting Hebizuka will improve their business luck. Kaminari's son, actor Shiro Osaka, is no longer with us, though. Kaminari Shiho, who built Hebizuka, was a very successful izakaya owner. His daughter Mio was acclaimed as a potter, and his son, Shiro Osaka, was an actor who received the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Fourth Class. Indeed, all members of the Kaminari family have been successful... While many tourists visiting Tokyo will likely stop by Tokyo Tower, we also recommend visiting Hebizuka, one of the city's most powerful power spots
*Note: According to Shinkoin Temple, the sacred object at Hebizuka is currently being moved and the hall is being rebuilt. The new hall is scheduled to be completed at the end of May 2017
