The Yoshiwara pleasure quarter (Shin-Yoshiwara) was a licensed district recognized by the shogunate and the government for about 300 years, until 1958. During that time it was a source of Asakusa’s customs and culture.
When the quarter was built, part of the marshy land was left as a pond, and a small shrine to Benzaiten was built on its bank—this was Yoshiwara Benzaiten. As the guardian deity of the quarter, it was revered by its people and visitors. It is also loved as the Benzaiten of the “Asakusa Seven Lucky Gods,” enshrined for success in the arts, wealth, and the prosperity of descendants.
Yoshiwara Shrine was named in 1872 (Meiji 5), when five shrines of the quarter were merged. Benzaiten was added in 1935 (Showa 10), and it stands as it does today.