2026.07.28
今年は午年（うまどし）。伏見区の藤森神社は「勝運と馬の神様」がおられるということで、昨年末からニュースでも注目を集めてきました。ここは午年生まれの方々、競馬関係者や競馬ファンにとって大切な神社です。
競馬はしませんが、乗馬が夢の一つである私は、是非行こう！と思いつつも午年の後半になりましたが、ようやく参拝することが出来ました。
ざっくりと表現すると『馬の神様がおられる神社』と言えますが、実は御祭神は素盞嗚尊、別雷命、日本武尊、応神天皇、仁徳天皇、神功皇后、武内宿禰の七柱という、神話・古代史のオールスターが勢ぞろいしているようなパワフルな神社ですので出発時から背筋が伸びました。向かう道中も気持ちが引き締まり徐々に緊張感が高まっていきました。
ほとりからは京阪電車と徒歩で約30分。墨染駅からは徒歩5分程でとても行きやすいです。大学、小学校、住宅に囲まれた静かなエリアにあります。
到着し石の鳥居をくぐり進んでいきます。セミの声が賑やかで、境内では馬の行事も行われるので、参道は左側が人・馬、右側が車と分けられています。馬はいませんが、一瞬馬の匂いがしました。ジュースの自動販売機には馬のデザイン。飲み物を買うと、ヒヒーンという馬の声とファンファーレが流れるユニークな自販機でした。
手水舎で手を清めましたが、水が冷たくて気持ちが良かったです。さすが伏見区です。ご神水「不二の水」を汲める場所があり、喫茶店のマスターの様な方がポリタンクに水を汲んでおられたり、近所の方がペットボトルに水を汲んだり、お水も人気がありました。
紫陽花苑もあり、境内のあちこちに紫陽花が植わっていました。残念ながらシーズンは終わっていますので綺麗な花を見る事が出来ませんでしたが、見頃の紫陽花まつりの時期に来るととても良さそうです。
境内では勇ましい武将の銅像があり、いかにも『戦に勝つ』という雰囲気が漂っていました。
本殿で参拝し終わると、なんだか私も何かと成功しそうな気分になりました！
無料で入れる宝物殿では、数々のお宝を拝見できました。一番興味深かったのが「馬の博物館」コーナーです。日本の民藝品、フィギュア、陶器、木製、ブロンズと様々な素材の世界の馬の置物が飾られていました。また江戸時代の鎧、鞍、鐙（あぶみ）、石製矢じり、短銃、火縄銃、太刀などなど戦いに必要な品々が展示されています。刀剣ファンにも人気がありそうです。さすが『戦に勝つ』ための神社の宝物です。
すっかり「勝ったような」良い気分で神社を後にしたのでした。勝負を控えている方には是非お薦めです。
This year is the Year of the Horse. Fujinomori Shrine in Fushimi Ward has been attracting attention in the news since late last year because it is said to be home to the “god of victory and horses.” This shrine is particularly important for people born in the Year of the Horse, as well as those involved in horse racing and horse racing fans.
Although I don’t bet on horse races, horseback riding is one of my dreams, so I kept thinking, “I really must go!” It’s already the second half of the Year of the Horse, but I finally managed to pay my respect there.
To put it simply, you could call it “a shrine dedicated to the god for horses,” but in reality, it enshrines seven deities—Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Wakura-no-Mikoto, Yamato Takeru-no-Mikoto, Emperor Ōjin, Emperor Nintoku, Empress Jingū, and Takeuchi no Sukune—making it a powerful shrine that feels like an all-star lineup of figures from mythology and ancient history. This made me sit up straight from the moment I set out. As I made my way there, I felt a sense of solemnity wash over me, and my nerves gradually began to build.
It’s about a 30-minute from Hotori Station taking the Keihan Line and walk. It’s also very easy to reach, being just a 5-minute walk from Sumizome Station. The shrine is located in a quiet area surrounded by a university, an elementary school, and residential neighborhoods.
Upon arrival, I passed through the stone torii gate and continued on. The sound of cicadas filled the air, and since there was a horse-related event taking place, the approach path is divided so that the left side is for people and horses, while the right side is for cars. There were no horses in sight, but for a moment I caught a whiff of their scent. The softdrink vending machines featured horse designs. It was a unique machine: whenever a visitor bought a drink, it played the sound of a horse neighing followed by a fanfare.
I purified my hands at the chozuya, and the cold water felt refreshing. Just as you’d expect from Fushimi Ward where produces nice Sake. There was a spot where you could draw the sacred water, “Fuji no Mizu,” and it was quite popular—a man who looked like a coffee shop owner was filling a plastic jug, while neighbors were filling plastic bottles.
There were also hydrangea gardens, and hydrangeas were planted all over the shrine grounds. Unfortunately, the season had already ended, so I couldn’t see the beautiful flowers, but it seems like it would be wonderful to visit during the Hydrangea Festival when they’re in full bloom.
On the shrine grounds stood a bronze statue of a valiant warrior, and the atmosphere was one that truly evoked the spirit of “victory in battle.” After offering a prayer in the main hall, I somehow started to feel like I could succeed in business too.
In the Treasure Hall, which is free to enter, I was able to view numerous treasures. The most interesting section was the “Horse Museum.” It featured horse figurines from around the world made of various materials—including Japanese folk art, figurines, pottery, wood, and bronze. Also on display were items essential for battle, such as Edo-period armor, saddles, stirrups, stone arrowheads, pistols, matchlock guns, and long swords. It seems this would be popular with sword enthusiasts as well. As you’d expect from the treasures of a shrine dedicated to “winning battles.”
I left the shrine feeling as though I had already “won.” I highly recommend it to anyone with an important challenge coming up.
Mikko
