Azabu Hikawa Shrine: A Vermilion Oasis in Motoazabu

4.1 (347)

Discover Tokyo's Azabu Hikawa Shrine: A serene Shinto sanctuary blending history, culture, and Sailor Moon magic in the heart of Motoazabu.

Home
Japan
Kai
Azabu Hikawa Shrine

Azabu Hikawa Shrine, nestled in Tokyo's Motoazabu district, offers a serene escape with its vibrant vermilion architecture and rich history. Revered by locals and drawing international visitors as a Sailor Moon pilgrimage site, this Shinto shrine provides a unique blend of cultural significance and pop-culture appeal.

A brief summary to Azabu Hikawa Shrine

1 Chome-4-23 Motoazabu, Minato City, 1 Chome Motoazabu, Tokyo, 106-0046, JP
Click to display
Click to display

Monday 9 am-4 pm
Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
Thursday 9 am-4 pm
Friday 9 am-4 pm
Saturday 9 am-4 pm
Sunday 9 am-4 pm

Local tips

Visit during the annual Azabu Hikawa Festival in September to witness the Grand Azabu Hikawa Mikoshi.
Draw an omikuji (paper fortune slip) for 100 JPY, available in both Japanese and English.
Look for the ema (votive tablets) featuring a crescent moon, a symbol from the Sailor Moon series.
Take a 9-minute walk from Azabu-juban Station to see the Sailor Moon themed manhole covers near Exit 4.

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Azabu Hikawa Shrine

Azabu Hikawa Shrine: A Tranquil Escape in Tokyo

Azabusan Zenpukuji

Discover Tranquility at Azabusan Zenpukuji Temple

Roppongi Sakura-zaka

Roppongi Sakura-zaka: A Scenic Haven in Tokyo

Getting There

Public Transport

From Azabu-juban Station (Namboku Line or Toei Oedo Line), take a 9-minute walk from Exit 4. Alternatively, a 12-minute walk from Hiroo Station (Hibiya Line) will bring you to the shrine. Minato City's Chii-Bus also provides access, with a fare of 100 JPY per ride or 500 JPY for a day pass. Consider the Chii-Bus if walking up the steep Sendai-zaka slope. IC cards like Suica and PASMO are accepted on trains and buses.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Minato City. From Roppongi Hills, a taxi ride to Azabu Hikawa Shrine is approximately 3184 JPY and takes around 15 minutes. Taxi fares in Tokyo start at 730 JPY for the first 2 km, with additional charges based on distance and time. Note that fares may increase during nighttime hours. Consider using the Japan Taxi app to summon a taxi.
Walking

From Azabu-juban Station, follow the signs towards Azabu Hikawa Shrine. The walk is approximately 9 minutes. For Sailor Moon fans, walking from Azabu-juban Station via Exit 4 offers the chance to see Sailor Moon themed manhole covers. Be prepared for a slight uphill walk as the shrine is located atop Sendai Hill.

Discover more about Azabu Hikawa Shrine

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.