📕 Goshuin from visitors
Hie Shrine
日本、〒100-0014 東京都千代田区永田町２丁目１０−５
Located in Nagatacho, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, this shrine has long been deeply revered as the chief guardian of Edo under the title 'Sokon no Chinju' (Guardian of the Imperial Capital). The enshrined deities (kami) are Oyamatsumi-no-Kami as the main deity, accompanied by Kuninotokotachi-no-Kami, Izanami-no-Kami, and Ashinakahiko-no-Mikoto. Its origins date back to 1478 CE (Bunmei 10), when Oda Nobutaka invited the deity from Kawagoe Sanwu Shrine to serve as a protective spirit within Edo Castle. After Tokugawa Ieyasu entered Edo in 1590 CE (Tensho 18), the shrine served as the guardian of Edo Castle and received devout reverence from the shogunal family; visits by the shogun's heir, children, and various daimyo were continuous. Following the great fire of 1657 CE (Meireki 3), the fourth shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu, relocated the shrine to its current site in Akasaka. Its annual festival, the Sanwu Matsuri, is one of the Three Great Festivals of Edo alongside the Kanda Matsuri and Fukagawa Matsuri, and was known as the 'Tenka Matsuri' (Festival of the Realm) because the portable shrine (mikoshi) entered Edo Castle.
Enshrined deities
Oyamakui-no-Kami
History
Known as 'Sanwu-san,' this shrine was revered by the shogunal family as the guardian of Edo Castle. The sacred monkeys (masaru), considered messengers of the gods, are associated with the pun 'ma ga saru' (evil departs) and 'masaru' (to win).
Blessings
It is worshipped for blessings related to luck in competitions (victory and promotion) and romance (matchmaking).
What visitors say
The shrine offers a quiet and solemn space that allows visitors to forget the bustle of the city center, featuring many sights such as vermilion buildings and a approach reminiscent of the Senbon Torii (Thousand Torii Gates). Long escalators are installed along the steep stairs, making worship accessible even for those concerned about their footing. Visitors can also enjoy strolling around the area and viewing the light-up displays.
Opening hours
- Monday: 6:00 – 17:00
- Tuesday: 6:00 – 17:00
- Wednesday: 6:00 – 17:00
- Thursday: 6:00 – 17:00
- Friday: 6:00 – 17:00
- Saturday: 6:00 – 17:00
- Sunday: 6:00 – 17:00
Kitchen
- 月曜日: 9時00分～16時00分
- 火曜日: 9時00分～16時00分
- 水曜日: 9時00分～16時00分
- 木曜日: 9時00分～16時00分
- 金曜日: 9時00分～16時00分
- 土曜日: 9時00分～16時00分
- 日曜日: 9時00分～16時00分
Annual events & festivals
- January 1 onwardHatsumode (First Shrine Visit of the Year) / Saidansai (New Year's Rite)
The 'Sanno-sama' of Akasaka, revered as the protector of the imperial capital.
This ancient shrine in Akasaka, affectionately known as 'Sanno-sama', begins the new year with the Saidansai and Wakamizusai rites. It is bustling with visitors praying for prosperity and peace in the new year.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Hatsumode at Sanno-sama
- ・Faith in the protector of the imperial capital
- ・The forest of Akasaka
- Around February 3Setsubun-sai (Bean-Throwing Rite)
A Setsubun festival praying for good fortune and blessings through bean-throwing.
A festival praying for the prosperity of the nation and good fortune for parishioners. After the rites, bean-throwing takes place within the shrine grounds.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Bean-throwing
- ・Prayers for good fortune and blessings
- June 7-17Sanno-sai (Grand Festival of Sanno)
One of the Three Great Festivals of Edo, known as the 'Tenka-sai' (Festival of the World). A grand procession circles the Imperial Palace area.
One of the Three Great Festivals of Japan and the Three Great Festivals of Edo, it was called the 'Tenka-sai' during the Edo period. The Shinko-sai (portable shrine procession), held every other year, features a procession in imperial court attire, along with mikoshi (portable shrines) and yama (floats), parading around the Imperial Palace area and Nihonbashi.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Grand Shinko-sai procession (Tenka-sai)
- ・Procession in imperial court attire
- ・Main festival held every other year
- September 25Chushu Kanzen-sai (Mid-Autumn Music Festival)
A mid-autumn music festival featuring performances of gagaku (court music) and bugaku (court dance).
On September 25, the festival features the Sanou-daiko drum, gagaku, miko (shrine maiden) dances, and bugaku, praying for the harmony and joy of all people during the mid-autumn season.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Sanou-daiko drum and gagaku
- ・Miko and bugaku dances
- ・Mid-autumn evening
Dates can shift from year to year. Please check the official information before you go.
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