赤羽八幡神社

Can a Shinkansen bless you? Here at Akabane Hachiman Shrine, it just might. This isn’t your average shrine. Akabane Hachiman Shrine sits atop a hill, a tranquil island amidst the urban bustle of Tokyo. Founded some 1,225 years ago by the samurai general Sakanoue no Tamuramaro, it’s steeped in history. He prayed to Hachiman, the god of battle, right on this very spot. Akabane Hachiman Shrine has long been the guardian deity of this area. The current structure, though, is relatively recent, built in 1931 and renovated in 1988. But what truly sets Akabane Hachiman Shrine apart is its unique relationship with modern technology. Look around. You can see trains whizzing by on multiple lines, including the Tohoku/Joetsu Shinkansen. In fact, Akabane Hachiman Shrine holds a singular distinction. It’s the only shrine in Japan with a Shinkansen tunnel running directly beneath it. This wasn’t the shrine’s initial choice. Engineers simply had no other option when planning the high-speed rail route. The shrine initially opposed the plan but eventually agreed. Now, they’ve embraced this unusual situation. The shrine’s website explains that Hachiman’s protection extends to transportation. So, every Shinkansen passing below is thought to receive a blessing, ensuring the passengers’ safe arrival. This has made Akabane Hachiman Shrine a popular spot for train enthusiasts. You might even see some here today. Look for the shrine’s name written in the style of a train station sign. It’s a testament to this modern connection. Akabane Hachiman Shrine blends the ancient and the modern, offering a unique experience.