Ushima Jinja, also referred to as Ushijima Jinja, is a small shrine on the north end of Sumida Park in Asakusa. It was founded in 860 and is noted for surviving the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and the fire bombs of WWII.

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

Ushima Jinja is a really cool shrine with some really cool things. The shrine has a a stone statue of a cow which is a source of good luck by rubbing the cow where you would like to be healed. Sumida Park is a great little break from the city with wonderful winding paths, and the shrine is definitely a great addition to the park. To the south are the headquarters of Asahi Brewing (what I will say is that they chose the wrong architect for that building). To the east is Tokyo Skytree Tower, the tallest tower in the world (not to be confused with tallest building). The only issue is the highway overpass which follows the west side of the park.

The statue of the healing cow is under the small overhang.

Asakusa Jinja was built in the Kamakura period around the turn of the 13th century by the townsfolk. The shrine is dedicated to the three individuals who founded Sensôji, the temple only about 50 feet to the left of the shrine. Since it was the founding of the temple which essentially started the city of Asakusa, the three individuals, Hajinomatsuti (the local lord), Hamanari, and Takenari (the two fishermen who found the statue of Kannon) and thereby considered founders of the city. Every spring is the Sanja Matsuri, considered one of the three Great Festivals of Edo (Tokyo), which closes down the streets of Asakusa as people crowd the streets and religious sites.

For the casual: 9. For the educated: 9.

This quaint little shrine is a fun place to visit. Right next to Sensôji, Asakusa Jinja is connected to all of the same sorts of activities that visitors can take advantage of as Sensôji. Craft shops, yukata stores, and so much more are within walking distance of the shrine gates.