Tomioka Hachiman Shrine, Tokyo

Constructed in 1627, the Tomioka Hachiman Shrine stands as Tokyo's largest shrine. This sacred place venerates Hachiman, a Shinto deity associated with the Minamoto clan, enjoying protection from the Tokugawa shogunate in its early history. Simultaneously, the shrine garnered respect and affection from the local people of Shitamachi, colloquially known as "Hachiman of Fukagawa."

Notably, Tomioka Hachiman Shrine holds the distinction of being the birthplace of Kanjin-zumō, established in 1684, which is considered the precursor of modern professional sumo wrestling. The shrine hosted two major sumo tournaments (basho), one in the spring and another in autumn, with the shogunate's authorization. It was during this period that critical aspects of sumo, such as the banzuke ranking system, were established.

Over time, sumo wrestling formed a closer connection with Shintoism to ensure its survival, particularly as it lost support from the shogunate and daimyos due to the Meiji Restoration's power shifts. In 1900 (Meiji 33), a significant monument known as the Yokozuna Stone was erected by Jinmaku Kyūgorō, the 12th yokozuna. This stone bears inscriptions of the shikonas (ring names) of all the yokozuna up to Hakuhō Shō, the 69th yokozuna, as well as "unrivaled rikishi" Raiden Tameemon. Numerous other stone monuments related to sumo can also be found within the shrine grounds.

As a result, when a sumo wrestler achieves the prestigious rank of yokozuna, they perform a ceremonial dohyō-iri dedication at Tomioka Hachiman Shrine.