Azabu Hikawa Shrine, Kai Travel Guide

Azabu Hikawa Shrine, located in the heart of Motoazabu, Minato City, is a Shinto shrine with a history stretching back centuries. While the exact founding date is debated, one theory suggests it was established in 942 by Minamoto Tsunemoto. Another attributes its founding to Ōta Dōkan in the 15th century, who envisioned it as a protector of Edo against disasters. The shrine was moved to its current location in 1659.Throughout the Edo period, Azabu Hikawa Shrine was visited by prominent figures, including the Tokugawa shoguns. The second shogun, Hidetada, prayed here for his wife's safe childbirth, and the fifth shogun, Iemitsu, was a frequent visitor. The shrine served as a focal point for the local community, hosting grand festivals with dashi floats. Although the main hall was destroyed in 1945 during the war, it was rebuilt in 1948.Today, Azabu Hikawa Shrine is known for its connection to the popular anime series Sailor Moon, serving as the inspiration for the Hikawa Shrine in the series. Fans from around the world visit to see the shrine's vermilion main building, which is reminiscent of Rei Hino's costume. The shrine offers omikuji (paper fortune slips) in English, catering to its international fanbase. Visitors can pray for various blessings, including success in competition, business prosperity, academic improvement, and matchmaking. The shrine also features ema (votive tablets) with crescent moon designs, a nod to the Sailor Moon series.The Grand Azabu Hikawa Mikoshi, a large palanquin, was restored in 2021 through crowdfunding and is now housed within the shrine grounds. The annual Azabu Hikawa Festival in September showcases the restored mikoshi.