Guide - See / Do - Hie Shrine

Hie Shrine

Visit one of the most highly revered places of worship in Tokyo
Budget
Opening Hours Shrine grounds always open

Sanno Matsuri, one of the three major Shinto festivals in Tokyo – along with Fukagawa Matsuri and Kanda Matsuri – takes place at this shrine every year on June 15 because it houses the guardian deity of the city. The god of marriage is said to be enshrined here as well, which is perhaps why wedding ceremonies conducted solemnly according to Shinto rites are often held here. There are also a large number of torii gates in Hie, similar to Fushimi Inari in Kyoto, which explains this location’s popularity as a prime photography spot among tourists.

Transport 3-minute walk from Tameike-Sanno Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line or Tokyo Metro Namboku Line
+81 3 3581 2471
2 Chome-10-5 Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0014
100-0014 東京都千代田区永田町2丁目10-5

1. While most shrines are guarded by lion-dogs or foxes, the monkey is the chosen emissary of the shrine’s deity.

2. Bamboo, gravel and stone create a clean, serene ambience around the shrine.

3. This beautifully decorated building stores many treasures belonging to the Tokugawa family, including a number of antique swords.

4. The juxtaposition of this traditional torii (gate) against modern skyscrapers offers an interesting backdrop for photos.

5. The Hie Shrine hosts one of Tokyo's three biggest festivals, the Sanno Matsuri, including a parade that winds through the city every even-numbered year.