Hie Shrine: Guide to Tokyo’s Holy Place
The Hie Shrine (日枝神社, Hie Jinja) is a Shinto shrine in Nagatachō, Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan. Its June 15 Sannō Matsuri is one of the three great Japanese festivals of Edo (the forerunner of Tokyo). Other names for the shrine include Hiyoshi Sannō-sha, Hiyoshi Sannō Daigongen-sha, Edo Sannō Daigongen, Kōjimachi Sannō, Sannō-sha, and Sannō-sama.
Hie Shrine hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, including traditional Shinto rituals, ceremonies, and cultural performances. One of the most notable festivals is the Sannō Matsuri, which takes place annually in June. It features colorful processions, music, dance, and other festivities.
Hie Shrine is not only a sacred site of worship but also a cultural landmark that reflects Tokyo's rich history and spiritual heritage. It continues to attract visitors from around the world who seek solace, spiritual guidance, and a deeper connection to Japan's traditions and beliefs.
Historical Highlights
The date of establishment of the Hie Shrine is uncertain. According to one theory, Ōta Dōkan established it in 1478. Another theory identifies the Hie with the Sannō Shrine mentioned in a 1362 record of the Kumano Nachi Taisha.
Tokugawa Ieyasu relocated it to the grounds of Edo Castle, and in 1604 his son Tokugawa Hidetada moved it out, so the people of Edo could worship there. The shaden was lost to the Great Fire of Meireki of 1657, and in 1659 Tokugawa Ietsuna rebuilt it at its present location. The shrine stands southwest of the castle, in the ura kimon direction according to onmyōdō.
Visitor Information
The Hie Shrine possesses one National Treasure, a tachi (single-edged sword). It also holds 14 Important Cultural Assets, 13 swords and one naginata. The shrine is also one of the most popular for Japanese families to visit during the Shichi-Go-San coming-of-age festival.
Tameike-Sannō Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line and Tokyo Metro Namboku Line, Kokkai-gijidō-mae Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line and Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, and Akasaka-mitsuke Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line and Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line are the closest stops to the shrine.
Story and Legends
Hie Shrine, like many other shrines in Japan, is steeped in legend and folklore that add to its mystique and significance. While there are several legends associated with Hie Shrine, one of the most prominent is the story of Emperor Ōjin and the white fox
According to legend, Emperor Ōjin, also known as Hondawake no Mikoto, was the 15th Emperor of Japan, ruling during the 3rd century AD. He is revered as a legendary figure in Japanese history and is often associated with martial prowess and divine protection.
