Imado Shrine

Welcome to Imado Shrine, a hidden gem tucked away in the historic Asakusa district of Tokyo. While many travelers flock to the nearby Senso-ji, Imado offers a much more intimate and specialized experience. …

Standing before the main hall, you cannot miss the two massive Maneki-neko figures that dominate the entrance. Unlike most beckoning cats you see in shops, these are often depicted as a pair—a male and a female—further…

Look to your side at the massive racks filled with 'ema,' the wooden tablets where worshippers write their prayers. You will immediately notice a striking difference: while most shrines use pentagonal ema, the ones at Imado are…

The Haiden, or the hall where you offer your prayers, is the spiritual core of Imado Shrine. It was reconstructed after the devastation of World War II, but it maintains a classical architectural style with modern touches. …

Imado Shrine is also a significant stop on the Asakusa Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage. It is dedicated to Fukurokuju, the god of wealth, happiness, and longevity. …

No visit to Imado is complete without trying your luck with an 'omikuji' or fortune slip. At this shrine, the omikuji are often tucked inside small, charming cat figurines. …

In recent years, Imado Shrine has gained a new kind of celebrity: a real-life white cat that is said to frequent the grounds. Local lore suggests that if you are lucky enough to spot this cat during your visit, your prayers for…

As we depart from Imado Shrine, we walk back out into the quiet streets of Asakusa, perhaps feeling a bit more hopeful about our connections to others. Whether you came looking for love or simply to admire the cats, Imado leaves…