Ikebukuro Mitake Shrine

Mitake Shrine is the west-side neighbourhood shrine. Tradition puts the seat in the Tensho years (1573–1592). The hall is dated 1687. The name changed from Mitake (三嶽) to Mitake (御嶽) when it became a village shrine in 1938. Enshrined: Yamato Takeru, Emperor Jinmu, Takemikazuchi. The Kusanagi story is why people come for fire and disaster protection. A subordinate Inari handles children. Owl (fukuro) charms play on the place name. Office about 09:00–17:00, prayers 09:00–16:00, 03-3971-8462. Annual rites: Tanabata first Sunday of July, Reitaisai fourth Saturday–Sunday of September. That weekend is also Fukuro Matsuri. This is a shrine. Not a west-exit photo alley.