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Located in Nagatacho, Chiyoda, Tokyo, this distinguished shrine was the guardian shrine of Edo Castle and was revered by successive shoguns. Based on Sanno faith, it is known for blessings of business prosperity and protection from misfortune, and as a shrine of Akasaka it remains widely worshipped by people in the business district.
Shrine Info
- Enshrined Deity
- Oyamakui no Kami (principal deity); Kunitokotachi no Kami, Izanami no Kami, Tarashinakahiko no Mikoto (auxiliary deities)
- Founded
- Invited here by Ota Dokan in Bunmei 10 (1478) (origins date to the Kamakura period)
- Annual Festival
- Sanno Matsuri (June 7-17)
History & Origins
It is said to have begun in 1478 (the 10th year of Bunmei), when Ota Dokan, who built Edo Castle, invited the deity of Kawagoe Hie Jinja. After Tokugawa Ieyasu entered Edo, it rose in standing as the castle's guardian shrine and drew the devotion of the shoguns. The Sanno Matsuri flourished as a 'Tenka Matsuri', one of Edo's greatest festivals along with the Kanda Matsuri.
Highlights
The approach to Sanno Inari Jinja, lined with a continuous row of torii gates, is striking. The main hall was rebuilt in 1958 (the 33rd year of Showa), and the grounds offer a view of Tokyo's skyscrapers. The shrine is also known for being easy to visit, as an escalator takes you up to the grounds.
Visitor Guide
It is about 3 minutes on foot from Exit 2 of Akasaka Station on the Chiyoda Line, or about 3 minutes from Exit 7 of Tameike-Sanno Station on the Namboku and Ginza lines. The gate is open 6:00-17:00, and the amulet office and treasure hall are open 9:00-16:00.
Best Season
The Sanno Matsuri in June is one of Japan's three great festivals, with a procession of the deities passing through the Akasaka and Nagatacho area. Many families also visit in November for Shichi-Go-San.
Annual Events
- June
Sanno Matsuri (Sanno Festival)
The annual grand festival of Hie Jinja, held on June 7–17, and one of Japan's three great festivals. At the main festival, held every two years, a divine procession passes through the streets of Akasaka and Nagatacho.
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