Hie Shrine, Tokyo Travel Guide

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.