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Hie Shrine: A Tranquil Oasis in the Heart of Tokyo

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Discover tranquility in Tokyo's heart at Hie Shrine, a historic sanctuary with vibrant torii gates and sacred monkey guardians.

Nestled between the modern skyscrapers of Akasaka and the government buildings of Nagatacho, Hie Shrine offers a serene escape from Tokyo's bustling city life. With a history stretching back to the Kamakura period, this Shinto shrine is known for its striking red torii gates, monkey statues, and connection to the Tokugawa shogunate.

A brief summary to Hie Shrine

  • Monday 6 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 6 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 6 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 6 am-4 pm
  • Friday 6 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 6 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 6 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the Sanno Matsuri in mid-June to experience one of Tokyo's most vibrant traditional festivals.
  • Walk through the tunnel of red torii gates for a unique and spiritual experience, similar to Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Shrine.
  • Look for the monkey statues guarding the main hall, as they are the divine messengers of the shrine's deity.
  • Visit the Treasure Hall to see the shrine's collection of swords and other cultural assets (check the official website for opening days).
  • Take advantage of the shrine's central location to explore nearby attractions in Akasaka and Nagatacho.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    Hie Shrine is easily accessible by subway. The closest stations are Akasaka Station (Chiyoda Line, 3-minute walk), Tameike-Sanno Station (Ginza and Namboku Lines, 3-minute walk), and Kokkaigijidomae Station (Chiyoda Line, 5-minute walk). Subway fares in Tokyo typically range from ¥170 to ¥400 depending on the distance. From Tameike-Sanno Station, take exit 7. From Akasaka Station, take exit 2. From Kokkaigijidomae Station, take exit 5.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Tokyo. A short taxi ride from Tokyo Station to Hie Shrine typically takes around 4 minutes and costs approximately ¥2,200 to ¥2,700. Taxi fares in Tokyo start at around ¥500 for the first kilometer, with additional charges per distance and time.

  • Walking

    Hie Shrine is located within walking distance of several landmarks, including the Imperial Palace. From the Imperial Palace, it's approximately a 40-minute walk. Follow signs towards Nagatacho and Akasaka. Be aware that the shrine is located on a hill, and some entrances involve climbing stairs.

Discover more about Hie Shrine

Hie Shrine, or Hie Jinja, is a significant Shinto shrine located in the heart of Tokyo, offering a unique blend of historical and cultural significance. Its origins trace back to the Kamakura period (1185–1333), with most accounts stating that the warlord Ota Dokan founded it in 1478. The shrine served as a guardian shrine for Edo Castle and later became a protector of the city. In 1607, the shrine was moved outside of the castle, allowing the citizens of Edo to visit and worship there. During the Meiji Restoration in 1868, Hie Shrine became a guardian shrine of the Imperial Palace. The shrine was destroyed during World War II but reconstructed in 1958. Hie Shrine is dedicated to Oyamakui-no-kami, the mountain deity of Mount Hiei in Shiga Prefecture, and is known for its monkey statues, which serve as divine messengers. Unlike other shrines that feature guardian lion-dogs (komainu), Hie Shrine features monkey statues known as Masaru, believed to ward off evil spirits. One of the most iconic features of Hie Shrine is the path of vibrant red torii gates, reminiscent of Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Shrine. These gates symbolize the transition from the mundane to the sacred, inviting visitors into a spiritual realm. The shrine also houses a National Treasure, a tachi (single-edged sword), and 14 Important Cultural Assets. Every June, Hie Shrine hosts the Sanno Matsuri, one of Tokyo's three major festivals. This grand celebration features a vibrant parade through central Tokyo, showcasing traditional music, dancers, and floats.

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