"Fukushima Akiba Shrine"

During the Edo era, it became popular to carry Akiba Shrine's Mikoshi. Then people who believed in Akiba Shrine increased like Atago Shrine. As a result, many religious associations were organized. Now they exist as the "fire prevention gods" in various parts of the country. The head shrine is in Tenryu city, Shizuoka.

"Jinbei (the public bath) Fire and Fukushima Akiba Shrine"

On April 25,1911, there was a big fire at the public bath "Jinbei" in now Yanagi-machi, Fukushima-shi. The big fire spread and most part of the town was burnt down. In the same year, Akiba Shrine was built at the foot of "Shinobu" bridge. With the opening of Tohoku Line in 1891, another Akiba Shrine was built in Sakae-machi to protect from sparks of the steam locomotives.

"Three shrines in the same area"

Now, Fukushima Akiba Shrine is next to Daiwa securities firm, which is inside of New Fuku Building (built in 1979). Daiwa securities firm was originally "Fujimoto Bill Broker."　There had been Sengen Shrine in the site. The god of this shrine was the goddess. They say if an employee forgot to pray her, he/she would be cursed or made sick. Akiba Shrine faced street and there was a big "Fuji" (wisteria) planted there. There had been two small shrines called "Fuji-Gongen" before Akiba Shrine was put in this area. Then Akiba Shrine was put together with these two shrines. The wisteria was cut down with the urban redevelopment in 1977. Those two shrines have also gone.

There had been a plan to move Akiba Shrine to the rooftop of the building. However, many local residents strongly opposed this plan. Therefore, the shrine was left on the same location. After reconstructing the building, the main building of the shrine and garden lanterns were donated. Torii and Shinden Shrine haven't been changed. In addition, a new pair of dedicatory lanterns were donated by one of Akiba Shrine associations, "Hosankai" and the neighborhood association.

"The Annual Festival"

The Annual Festival is held by "Hosankai." They pray for fire or crime prevention and flourishing business. They make a fire and prepare "Sake" (liquor) to give people. Also, "

Sakaemachi Shinkokai," one of local residents patrols around the community at night during the day after the Annual Festival to the end of March.

"Fukushima Ekimae Shopping District Organization" holds event called "Rakuichi-Rakuza" twice a year on May 5 and November 3.

　In these days, the Annual Festival is also held. The Akiba Shrine's servant is "Karasu-Tengu"(Crow) and the emblem of the god is a fatasia. "Hiyoke-Maru", which is a motif of "Karasu-Tengu", is a mascot of Fukushima Akiba Shrine.