“Who protects Tokyo?” That is the question many ask, as we stand before Hie Shrine. It is a guardian watching over this bustling metropolis. This Shinto shrine offers peace amidst the city’s energy.
Hie Shrine’s history stretches back to the Kamakura period. It became especially important to the Tokugawa clan. Lord Ieyasu Tokugawa revered Hie Shrine as protector of his family when he made Edo Castle his home.
The deity enshrined here is Oyamakui no Kami. Oyamakui no Kami is believed to be the guardian of Tokyo. People visit Hie Shrine to pray. They seek blessings for safe childbirth, marriage, and business success.
Hie Shrine hosts the Sanno Festival each June. It is one of Tokyo’s three major festivals. A grand parade fills central Tokyo. Worshippers celebrate with dance, song, and taiko drums. Hundreds of lanterns light up the festival dedicated to the deity.
Notice the monkeys guarding the main hall’s entrance. These monkeys, known as masaru, replace the usual komainu lion statues. They serve as messengers of Oyamakui no Kami. Many pray before the monkey couple. They hope the divine monkeys will carry their wishes to the deity. One monkey statue is a female holding a baby. People entrust it with wishes for marriage, children, and safe childbirth. The male monkey statue is for business prosperity.
Behind the main hall, discover the Sanno Inari jinja. A tunnel of 90 red torii gates awaits. This sight recalls Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine. Foreign tourists and Japanese visitors alike enjoy this beautiful spot.
Hie Shrine faced destruction during the Great Fire of Meireki in 1657. It was rebuilt in 1659. The shrine also suffered during the bombing of Tokyo in World War II. The current structure dates from 1958.
Hie Shrine also holds treasures. It possesses one National Treasure. That treasure is a tachi, a single-edged sword. It also holds 14 Important Cultural Assets. These include 13 swords and one naginata. Families often visit Hie Shrine. They come during the Shichi-Go-San coming-of-age festival.
Consider Hie Shrine a power spot. Many seek partners or blessings for their marriage here. Some even hold their wedding ceremonies here. If you visit on a weekend, you might see a bride in a traditional kimono.
Inside the Treasure House, see historical items. Samurai swords and festival dolls are among the displays. Handwritten letters from 400 years ago offer a glimpse into the past.
Hie Shrine stands as a testament to Tokyo’s history. It has silently witnessed the city’s changes. It preserves the past amidst the new.