ABOUT
About this spot
"Hie Shrine," located in the Akasaka office district of Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, is a historic shrine known for the "Sanno Festival," one of the Three Great Festivals of Edo. Since Tokugawa Ieyasu entered Edo Castle, it has been deeply revered by successive shoguns as the castle's guardian shrine. Today it is loved by a wide range of people as a power spot for matchmaking, business prosperity, and warding off misfortune. One highlight is the "Inari Sando" approach on the west side of the grounds. The "Thousand Torii" of vivid vermilion-lacquered gates is a fantastical space that helps you forget the urban bustle, and is also very popular as a photo spot. Hie Shrine is also distinctive for enshrining the monkey (Shinen, the sacred monkey) rather than komainu guardian dogs as the messenger of the deity. The monkey (saru) is associated with "leaving evil behind" and "winning," and is said to bring blessings of marital harmony, children, and luck in contests. Adorable monkey statues sit all around the grounds, so be sure to look for them. With escalators and easy access, it is perfect for a weekday refresh as well as a weekend stroll in Tokyo or a date. Why not recharge your energy while feeling the breath of history in a formal, calm atmosphere?
Last updated March 27, 2026