Ana-Hachimangû started as a training ground for mounted samurai before it was a shrine. Founded as a training ground by Minamoto no Yoshiie, he turned the site into a shrine to the god Hachiman by enshrining his helmet and swords in 1062 following his victory in the 9 Year War of Tohoku. Later, a monk looking to establish a monastery found a cave near the shrine where a copper statue of Amida Buddha was unearthed. Since Amida Buddha was the Buddhist incarnation of Hachiman, the statue of Amida was also enshrined giving the shrine its current name of Ana-Hachimangû. In the Edo period, Ana-Hachimangû was made the prayer offering shrine for the Tokugawa families.

For the casual: 6. For the educated: 7.

Ana-Hachimangû is not exactly a major shrine, though its history suggests otherwise. What really makes it stand out is the location and how the shrine is organized. Across the street is Waseda University, considered one of the top universities in Japan and often called the Stanford of Japan (though I disapprove of this comment because Stanfurd). Here, students come to pray for good luck in all sorts of endeavors from studies to sports. The shrine itself is up a small hill which allows the landscaping to create pleasant terraces with various trees, flowering plants, grass lawns, and ponds. Tori gates of bright orange contrast the black and gold of the main hall.