Hie Shrine (日枝神社, Hie Jinja) is a major Shinto shrine in central Tokyo, located on a slope of Akasaka, and it is best known as the guardian shrine of the city and the imperial palace area. Its most famous feature is the long tunnel of red torii gates leading up to the main hall, and it enshrines the deity Ōyamakui-no-kami, a mountain god also associated with prosperity and protection. The shrine has a history stretching back to the 14th century, though its current location dates to the Edo period, and it remains a popular spot for New Year visits, festivals, and prayers for business success.
History and Origins
Hie Shrine’s origins are traditionally traced to 1368, when a shrine was established in what is now the Kōjimachi area of Tokyo, then part of the province of Musashi. According to the shrine’s own records, the deity was enshrined there after a request from the local lord, Ōta Dōkan, who is credited with building Edo Castle in the 15th century. The shrine was later moved to its present location on the slope of Akasaka in 1657, during the Edo period, under the patronage of the Tokugawa shogunate. Because it stood near Edo Castle (now the Imperial Palace), it was designated as one of the sōchinju—the protective shrines of the castle and the city. The shrine was destroyed in the Great Fire of Meireki (1657) and again during the bombing of Tokyo in World War II, but it was rebuilt each time. The current main hall dates from 1958 and was constructed using traditional wooden architecture, though it incorporates some modern techniques.
The Kami Enshrined
The primary deity of Hie Shrine is Ōyamakui-no-kami (大山咋神), a mountain god whose name literally means “great mountain stake” or “great mountain pillar.” In Japanese mythology, Ōyamakui is associated with Mount Hiei, which lies northeast of Kyoto, and is also considered a protector of the mountain and its surrounding regions. Over time, the deity became syncretized with other gods, including the agricultural deity Kōshin, and is now widely revered as a guardian against evil and a bestower of prosperity, safe childbirth, and business success. The shrine also enshrines several other kami, including the goddess Amaterasu (the sun goddess) and the deity Ōkuninushi, though Ōyamakui remains the central figure. Because of its association with Mount Hiei, the shrine has historical ties to the Tendai Buddhist sect, and the deity is sometimes referred to as the “Sannō” (mountain king) deity, a title that reflects the fusion of Shinto and Buddhist practices that was common before the Meiji era.
The Famous Red Torii Tunnel
One of the most recognizable features of Hie Shrine is the long row of red torii gates that lines the main approach from the street up to the shrine’s entrance. This tunnel of torii, numbering around 100 gates, is a modern addition, installed in the 1960s with donations from worshippers. Each gate is inscribed with the name of the donor and the date of dedication. The torii are painted in the traditional vermilion color, which is believed to ward off evil spirits. The tunnel creates a striking visual effect and is a popular spot for photography, especially during the autumn foliage season when the surrounding trees turn red and gold. The approach is also lined with stone lanterns and small shrines dedicated to various kami, and it leads to a stone staircase that ascends to the main hall.
Festivals and Annual Events
The most important festival at Hie Shrine is the Sannō Matsuri, held every year in mid-June. This festival dates back to the Edo period and was one of the three great festivals of Edo (along with Kanda Matsuri and Fukagawa Matsuri). During the festival, a grand procession carries a portable shrine (mikoshi) through the streets of Akasaka and Nagatachō, accompanied by musicians and dancers. The festival is known for its lively atmosphere and attracts thousands of spectators. Other annual events include the New Year’s visit (Hatsumōde), when the shrine receives over a million visitors in the first three days of January, and the Setsubun festival in February, which features bean-throwing ceremonies to drive away evil spirits. The shrine also hosts seasonal ceremonies such as the cherry blossom festival in spring and the autumn leaf viewing in November, during which the grounds are illuminated in the evening.
How to Visit and What to Expect
Hie Shrine is easily accessible from several Tokyo subway stations. The nearest is Akasaka Station on the Chiyoda Line, which is about a five-minute walk from the shrine’s main entrance. Other nearby stations include Tameike-Sannō Station (on the Ginza and Namboku lines) and Kokkai-gijidō-mae Station (on the Marunouchi Line). The shrine is open from around 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though the grounds are always accessible. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. When visiting, it is customary to purify your hands and mouth at the temizuya (water pavilion) before approaching the main hall. You can then offer a prayer, ring the bell, and make an offering of coins. The shrine also sells various omamori (amulets) and ema (votive plaques) on which you can write wishes. A unique feature of Hie Shrine is the omikuji (fortune-telling paper) that comes in the shape of a monkey, as the monkey is considered a sacred messenger of the deity.
Common Questions and Misconceptions
A common misconception is that Hie Shrine is dedicated to the monkey itself, because of the many monkey statues and amulets found on the grounds. In reality, the monkey is only a messenger of the deity Ōyamakui, not a god in its own right. Another frequent question is whether Hie Shrine is the same as the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, which also has a tunnel of red torii gates. While both are Shinto shrines with similar visual features, they are entirely different institutions: Fushimi Inari is dedicated to the rice god Inari and is located in Kyoto, while Hie Shrine is in Tokyo and enshrines Ōyamakui. Visitors sometimes assume that the shrine is closed to the public because it is near the Imperial Palace and government buildings, but it is open to all and welcomes tourists. Finally, some wonder if the shrine is a tourist attraction or a real place of worship; it is both—it serves as an active religious site for local worshippers and also attracts many visitors who come to see its architecture and atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hie Shrine famous for?
Hie Shrine is famous for its long tunnel of red torii gates, which is one of the most photographed spots in Tokyo. It is also known as the guardian shrine of the city and the imperial palace, and it hosts the Sannō Matsuri, one of Tokyo’s most important festivals.
How do I get to Hie Shrine?
The shrine is a short walk from Akasaka Station (Chiyoda Line) and Tameike-Sannō Station (Ginza and Namboku lines). From either station, follow the signs or use a map app; the main entrance is on a hill near the Nagatachō area.
Is Hie Shrine free to enter?
Yes, entry to the shrine grounds and the main hall is free. You can make a donation if you wish, and you can purchase amulets, fortunes, and votive plaques at the shrine office.
What is the best time to visit Hie Shrine?
Early morning or late afternoon on weekdays are the quietest times. If you want to see the torii tunnel without crowds, avoid New Year’s week and festival days. The shrine is also beautiful during cherry blossom season and autumn, when the foliage colors the hillside.
Can I take photos at Hie Shrine?
Photography is allowed on the shrine grounds, including the torii tunnel and the main hall. However, be respectful during ceremonies and avoid using flash inside the main hall. Some areas may be off-limits during special events.
What does the monkey statue at Hie Shrine mean?
The monkey is the sacred messenger of the deity Ōyamakui-no-kami. In Japanese folklore, monkeys are thought to ward off evil and bring good health, so the shrine sells monkey-themed amulets and has statues of monkeys with their young, symbolizing family safety and easy childbirth.
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