Hie Shrine was established in 1478 by the regional lord, Ota Dokan—best known as the architect of Edo castle—to enshrine the spirit of Kawagoe Sanno Shrine so that it could act as protector of the city. The shrine was lost, like much of the city, in the Great Fire of Meireki in 1657 and rebuilt under the orders of Tokugawa Ietsuna two years later in its current location, chosen partly because the high ground meant that it could be viewed from Edo Castle. The main building was once again destroyed in the air raids of 1945 and the structure we see today was built in 1958.

The line of torii leading to the shrine from the Inarii entrance.

Hie Shrine holds 14 items designated as Important Cultural Assets and one National Treasure—Itomaki-no-Tachi (a long sword with lacing on the scabbard). It is also home to one of Tokyo’s most famous festivals, the Sanno Matsuri, which takes place in mid-June.

Information
Getting there
A short walk from Akasaka-Mitsuke Station (Ginza Line and Marunouchi Line), Akasaka Station (Chiyoda Line), or Tameike-Sanno (Ginza and Namboku Lines). You can see the steps leading up to the shrine from the main road, Sotobori Dori
Details
You May Also Like

Hakone Shrine

A shrine is notable for its large, red torii which stands on the shore of Lake Ashi. The shrine was originally on the summit of Mount Komagatake, but was moved to its current location in the late 17th century. The walk through the forest and up the stone steps is very enjoyable.

Oyama Shrine

Oyama Shrine (尾山神社, oyama-jinja) is a shrine dedicated to Maeda Toshiie of the Maeda clan that would go…

Tokasan Jomyoji Temple

Quiet temple near Hokokuji with a tea house and Japanese rock garden.

Ninnaji

Ninnaji (仁和寺) is a temple in western Kyoto that dates back to the late 9th century. It is…