The Allure and Blessings of Hie Shrine

Nestled in Nagatacho, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, Hie Shrine is renowned for hosting the Sanno Festival, one of Edo's three great festivals. As a guardian shrine of the Imperial Palace's "rear demon gate," it's believed to offer protection against misfortune, bring couples together, and ensure safe childbirth. It's also a popular power spot for career success and professional advancement. Conveniently located just a 3-minute walk from Akasaka Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line.

While steeped in history, the shrine boasts modern, barrier-free facilities, including escalators, eliminating the need to climb long flights of stairs.

Historical Significance of Hie Shrine

Hie Shrine (Hie Jinja) is a crucial shrine in central Tokyo, particularly known for its connection to the Tokugawa family. Established in 1478 to protect Edo Castle, it enshrines Oyamakui-no-kami, the guardian deity of Tokyo. The annual Sanno Festival in June, one of Tokyo's three major festivals, draws large crowds.

The shrine is also popular for prayers related to safe childbirth, marriage, and business prosperity.

Hie Shrine's Historical Significance in Japanese Culture

History of Hie Shrine

Hie Shrine traces its origins to the Kamakura period and was founded by Ota Dokan in 1478. We'll delve into the shrine's historical background and its development.

Relationship with the Tokugawa Family

Hie Shrine has deep ties with the Tokugawa family, playing a crucial role when Tokugawa Ieyasu established Edo Castle as his base. We'll explore the historical significance of this relationship.

Origins of the Sanno Festival

The Sanno Festival began in the Kamakura period and evolved into its current form during the Edo period. We'll examine the festival's origins and historical context.

Role of Oyamakui-no-kami

Oyamakui-no-kami, enshrined at Hie Shrine, plays a vital role as the guardian deity of Tokyo. We'll explore the deity's role and the associated beliefs.

Cultural Significance in Tokyo

Hie Shrine holds an important place in Tokyo's culture. We'll consider the shrine's impact on Tokyo's cultural and social landscape.

Hie Shrine and Tokugawa Ieyasu's Connection

When Tokugawa Ieyasu made Edo Castle his residence in 1590, Hie Shrine was revered as the "guardian shrine of the castle" and beloved by Edo citizens as the "birth deity of Edo."

The shrine has strong ties to the Tokugawa shogunate, and its treasure hall houses many artifacts related to the shogun family.

Throughout the Edo period, Hie Shrine played a crucial role as the guardian deity of the Tokugawa family.

Tokugawa Ieyasu and the Connection to "SHOGUN"

Tokugawa Ieyasu inspired the character of Yoshii Toranaga in James Clavell's novel "Shogun."

This novel has been adapted into the historical drama "SHOGUN," set on the eve of the Battle of Sekigahara, depicting Tokugawa Ieyasu's struggle for supremacy in the Sengoku period.

The character played by Hiroyuki Sanada is portrayed as the most powerful warlord of the Sengoku era, incorporating elements of Tokugawa Ieyasu.

One of the attractions of Hie Shrine is the opportunity to directly experience structures from the era depicted in "SHOGUN."

Name: Hie Jinja (Shrine)

Genre: Shrine　

Area: Tameike-sannou,Akasaka,Nagatachou,

Address:  Address: 2-10-5, Nagata-chō Chiyodaku, Tokyo

Google Map:  https://maps.app.goo.gl/2qrP115XmRu4JPeS9

Access: Tameike-sannou Station

Website URL: http://www.hiejinja.net/　(In Japanese)

Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hie_Shrine  (In English)

Business hours:

Closed:

Tel.: 03-3581-2471

Geocode(WGS84): 35.67471,139.739555

Open Street Map: http://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=17/35.67469/139.73957

Back To Top.

Discovering Hisakuni Shrine: A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Tokyo

Hisakuni Jinja (Shrine) 

A quiet location quietly standing in a back alley.

Torii

Purification water

Main shrine

Inside the main hall

Nestled in the bustling district of Roppongi, Tokyo, lies a tranquil oasis that seems to have sprung straight from a Studio Ghibli film. Welcome to Hisakuni Shrine, a place where history, spirituality, and modern urban life converge in perfect harmony.

A Spiritual Haven in the City

Hisakuni Shrine may not be the largest or most famous shrine in Tokyo, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in charm and historical significance. As you step off the lively streets of Roppongi and into the small alley leading to the shrine, you'll feel as if you've been transported to another world – one where the hustle and bustle of the city fades away, replaced by a serene Japanese atmosphere.

The Guardian Deities

This enchanting shrine is home to several important deities:

• Hotei: One of the Seven Lucky Gods of Minato
• Ukanomitama: The god of agriculture and food
• Sarutahiko Okami: The god of guidance and strength
• The Dragon God: Associated with water and rain

Each deity offers its own blessings, making Hisakuni Shrine a powerful spot for those seeking good fortune in various aspects of life.

A Name Steeped in History

The shrine's name, "Hisakuni," has an fascinating origin. It comes from a sword crafted by the renowned Kamakura-period swordsmith, Awata-guchi Hisakuni. This sacred blade was dedicated to the shrine, forever linking it to the rich tradition of Japanese sword-making.

From Edo Castle to Roppongi

While the exact founding date of Hisakuni Shrine remains a mystery, its historical significance is undeniable. Originally located within what are now the Imperial Palace grounds, the shrine played a crucial role in the construction of Edo Castle. It served as the guardian shrine for the castle, watching over the seat of power during the Edo period.

The famous samurai and castle-builder, Ota Dokan, is said to have donated a sword bearing the name "Hisakuni" to the shrine, further cementing its place in Japanese history.

A Modern Pilgrimage

Today, Hisakuni Shrine continues to be a beloved spiritual site for both locals and tourists. Its convenient location – just a few minutes' walk from Roppongi-itchome Station – makes it an easy addition to any Tokyo itinerary.

Visitors can partake in traditional Shinto practices, such as obtaining goshuin (shrine stamps) and omamori (protective amulets). The shrine office offers various types of goshuin for an initial offering of 300 yen, with special limited-edition stamps sometimes available during festivals and major events.

Experience the Magic

As you explore Tokyo's glittering skyscrapers and neon-lit streets, don't forget to seek out this hidden gem. Hisakuni Shrine offers a moment of peace and reflection in the heart of one of the world's busiest cities. Whether you're drawn by its rich history, spiritual significance, or simply the chance to experience a slice of traditional Japan, Hisakuni Shrine is sure to leave a lasting impression.

So next time you find yourself in Roppongi, take a detour down that small alley and discover the magic of Hisakuni Shrine for yourself. Who knows? You might just find the blessings and inspiration you've been searching for in this enchanting corner of Tokyo.

Name: Hisakuni Jinja (Shrine)

Genre: Shrine,

Area: Tameikesannou,Akasaka,Roppongi

Address:  2-1-16 Roppongi,Minato-ku,Tokyo

Access: Roppongi-Ittyoume Station,Tameikesannou Station

Google map:  https://maps.app.goo.gl/6A59af2BuXovmgJh9

Website URL: http://www.tokyo-jinjacho.or.jp/minato/3039　(In Japanese)

Wikipedia: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Hisakuni-jinja
 (Wikimedia Commons)

Business hours:

Closed:

Tel.: 03-3583-2896

Geocode(WGS84): 35.667239,139.738225

Open Street Map: http://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=18/35.66724/139.73822

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hisakuni.shrine/

There is a shrine in the back.

Commemorative monument奉納

Back To Top.