Tokiwa Shrine

Tokiwa Shrine was established to enshrine Tokugawa Mitsukuni (the second lord of the Mito Domain, popularly known as “Mito Kōmon”) and Tokugawa Nariaki (the ninth lord). It was founded in 1873 (Meiji 6), originally as a small shrine within Kairakuen built by local citizens who admired the two lords. The following year, it was relocated to its current site, incorporating part of Kairakuen into the shrine grounds. Because of the significant contributions both lords made to the culture and education of Mito, they are revered as patron deities of scholarship and balanced excellence in both the literary and martial arts.

The shrine grounds are spacious and feature many facilities. Most notable is the Giretsukan (Hall of Loyalty and Valor), which exhibits historical materials related to the Tokugawa family. It houses valuable artifacts from the Edo period through early Meiji, including what is said to be Japan’s largest war drum (jin-daiko), evoking the samurai spirit of the Bakumatsu period. The Kagura Hall and Shinsen Hall, both of which survived wartime air raids, have been renovated and now serve as the Noh Theater Hall (Nōgakuden) where traditional performances are held—especially during the Mito Takigi Noh held every September.

Beside the shrine stands the Naniwa Plum Tree (Naniwa-ume), a variety said to have been favored by both lords. Even today, its blossoms bloom beautifully each season, attracting many visitors. The shrine complex also includes three subordinate shrines, including Tōko Shrine, which honors Fujita Tōko, a loyal retainer favored by Nariaki.

The shrine's goshuin (temple seal) features the Tokugawa family crest (aoi mon), and its most unique charm is an omamori (protective amulet) designed to resemble the inrō (a traditional medicine case) carried by Mito Kōmon—a distinctive item with deep symbolic meaning.

From February to March, during the plum blossom season at Kairakuen, the shrine becomes one of the main venues of the Mito Plum Festival (Mito Ume Matsuri). A major highlight is the National Plum Wine Festival (Zenkoku Umeshu Matsuri), which gathers around 150 varieties of plum wine from across Japan. Visitors can enjoy flower viewing while tasting local plum wines, making it one of the region’s most festive and beloved seasonal events, drawing large crowds each year.