A shrine of matchmaking known as the birthplace of the maneki-neko (beckoning cat). The grounds are lined with lucky cats of all sizes, making it a sacred spot for cat lovers. It is also famous as the place where Okita Soji spent his final days, drawing many Shinsengumi fans. Enshrining the paired deities Izanagi and Izanami, the 'Imado-yaki Maneki-neko' en-musubi amulet is hugely popular as a cha…

According to tradition, Imado Jinja was founded in 1063 by Minamoto no Yoriyoshi, who enshrined a deity from Iwashimizu Hachimangu in Kyoto while returning from his campaign to pacify Mutsu Province (Oshu). The shrine long served as a center of local faith in the Asakusa area. During the Edo period,…