Tucked away in Tokyo’s urban landscape, the Hie Shrine is a serene oasis of tradition and tranquility. Its vibrant gates and timeless heritage offer a captivating peek into the city’s illustrious past. It’s more than just a shrine—it’s a journey into Tokyo’s soul.
Location:
Hie Shrine Tokyo is the most famous shrine in Nagatacho, Chiyoda City. The shrine is also renowned as Akasaka Hie Shrine.
Most preciously, the location is a tree-covered hilltop between the neighborhoods of Nagatacho and Akasaka.
However, it is not as high as Atago Shrine.
The shrine is close to two stations.
It is only 3 minutes from Akasaka Station and Tameike-sanno Station.
History:
The precise date of establishment of the shrine is unknown.
However, it is believed that a Japanese Samurai, Ota Dokan, built it in 1478.
The fire destroyed the shrine several times or moved to different places. Finally, however, Tokugawa Ietsuna rebuilt the shrine at its present location in 1659.
During world war II, the shrine was destroyed and built again in 1958.
Important Cultural Asset:
Hie Shrine Tokyo is one of the most valuable shrines in Japan.
The shrine possesses 14 Important Cultural Assets(13 swords and one naginata). It also holds a Tachi, which is designated as a National Treasure.
Besides these valuable properties, Akasaka Hie Shrine is also important spiritually.
The shrine is one of 10 famous shrines in Tokyo, called Jissha.
During the Edo Period, 10 shrines were selected as Edo Protector Shrines for their strategic location.
Moreover, pilgrims include the shrine in their pilgrimage journey.
Feature:
- Deities
- Love & Save delivery
- Torii Tunnel
- Main Shrine
- Festival
Deities:
Hie Shrine is unique.
It has a monkey deity.
On the other hand, while dog statues guard most Shinto shrines, the unique monkey deity guard this shrine.
The deity’s name is Masaru, which means ‘Keep evil spirits away.’
The statues of the monkey deity are placed on both sides of the entrance.
Love & Safe delivery:
Hie Shrine Tokyo is famous for Enmusubi.
Enmusubi is a word that means Love knot, Marriage Tie, and Safe Delivery.
In a word, falling in love, making a good family, and having healthy children. Altogether, a perfect shrine for everyone, from children to adults.
Torii Tunnel:
There are three stairs to the main shrine after passing a vast black torii gate.
The main stair of the Akasaka Hie Shrine is big and easy to climb. Besides, it has steps and escalators.
However, most tourists do not prefer it.
They usually prefer to use the back stair because the main highlight of the shrine is its back entrance.
The back entrance is decorated with colorful torii and flags.
The back entrance is a Torii Tunnel containing 90 torii gates.
It is impressive hiking climbing up through the Torii Tunnel.
Such Torii Tunnel is rare in Tokyo.
However, except for Hie Shrine Tokyo, Nezu Shrine has a tori tunnel.
On top of the stairs, there is a subordinate shrine before getting to the main one.
Main Shrine:
There are two entrances to the Main Shrine’s court. One is at the back, and another is at the front.
However, the distance between the two is not far. But at the front of the back entrance has a beautiful mikoshi.
At the same time, the front entrance has an excellent design.
In a word, it is unexplainable.
Most of the visitors love taking photos here. It is so popular that sometimes, the waiting time is 30 minutes.
The Main Shrine is lovely but not popular as the front entrance. However, it is the holiest place, so people usually go and pray.
The statues of the monkey deity are kept on both sides.
Festival:
The main festival of the Hie Shrine Tokyo is Sanno Matsuri, Tokyo’s one of the three most famous festivals.
However, Shichi Go San is also famous here. But it is a family-based event.
During the Shichi Go San, the shrine host a special event where many families come and pray.
At the same time, it is one of the best choices for families for their Hatsumode prayers.
Admission: Free
Opening hours:
18:00–17:00
Access:
Nearest Station:
Akasaka Station
(Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
3 minutes walk(Exit-2)
Tameike-sanno Station
(Tokyo Metro Ginza Line/ Nanboku Line)
3 minutes walk(Exit-7)
Address:
2–10–5 Nagatacho, Chiyoda, Tokyo 100–0014
Official website:
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