Akasaka Hikawa Shrine, nestled in Tokyo’s Minato Ward, is a historic sanctuary offering a tranquil retreat in the bustling city. Revered for its rich history and traditional charm, this shrine is a beloved spot for experiencing Tokyo’s enduring spiritual heritage.
Table of Contents
Location:
Akasaka Hikawa Shrine is familiar as Hikawa Shrine, located in Akasaka, Minato Ward, Tokyo. The shrine is famous for romance, good luck Charm, Matchmaking, Home safety, and good business.
Hikawa Shrine is one of 10 of Tokyo’s famous shrines. These 10 shrines are famous with different names.
Sometimes, people called these 10 shrines together, “Tokyo Jissha,” Protector Shrines, etc.
It is only a walk of 8 minutes(600 m) from Akasaka Station (Exit-7).
History:
The shrine was founded in 951 in Hitotsugi-ga-Hara in Toshima.
But, the shrine was moved to its present location in 1730.
But, the present structure of the shrine was built under the patronage of Tokugawa Yoshimune. It became Yoshimune’s personal shrine later.
Akasaka Hikawa Shrine survived the Great Kanto Earthquake and bombing in the world war.
As a result, Edo Period Hanging lanterns, Stone lion-dong Guardians, Torii gates, and some other old structures still exist, which have become Tokyo Cultural Property now.
Deity:
Susanoo no Mikoto:
Mikoto Nadahime:
Onamuji no Mikoto:
Entrance:
Akasaka Hikawa Shrine has huge boundary. The wall and tall trees mark the boundary.
At the same time, it has several entrances. But the main entrance is the straight point to the main hall by a small pathway.
Both sides of the pathway are covered with green lawns and tall trees. It is charming.
At the same time, visitors can guess the shrine was one of the Edo-era shrines because of its old features and statues.
But the shrine looks dull during the winter. All the leaves fall, and the trees and lawn look barren.
Main Hall:
The shrine is one of the 59 branches of the Hikawa Jinja, designated as the main Shrine for the former Musashi Province.
The shrine’s main hall is just at the end of the straight point of the main entrance. The small straight path connected the main torii gate and the main hall straight.
It is worth seeing the main hall for some crucial points. First, whether people visit for spiritual or tourism purposes is not a matter.
There are a few small shrines in front of the main hall, which is usually rare in Tokyo.
Besides, before the main hall, there is a wall where the main hall looks fantastic, and before the wall, there are some Edo-era things to see.
Festival:
Akasaka Hikawa Shrine is famous for Hikawa Matsuri is the biggest festival of the shrine. Every year, the shrine hosts it in late September.
Akasaka Hikawa Matsuri was one of the three biggest festivals in Edo, like Kanda Matsuri, held at Kanda Shrine, Sanno Matsuri at Hie Shrine.
Visitors can understand the festival when they see numerous mikoshi and floats move.
The festival lasts for three days. But the main parade, ‘Dashi’ floats, is held on Sunday at noon around 13:30.
The Dashi parade splits into two groups and takes different routes. However, these two groups meet at Akasaka Saca’s point around 15:00.
Moreover, there are many foods, tea stalls, performers, and music groups at the shrine’s premises.
Best time:
The best season to visit is autumn, from the end of November to early December, or during the Cherry blossom.
Opening hours:
6:00-17:30
Admission: Free
Access:
Nearest Station: Akasaka Station
Walk 8 minutes(600 m) from the station(Exit-7)
Address:
6 Chome-10-12 Akasaka, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan
Official website:
Book reasonable Hotel:
Book cheap flight: