HIE JINJA
Go there and contact
Dedicated to the protective deity of the Edo Castle, now an imperial palace, this shrine had its heyday during the reign of the Tokugawas and is still very popular. Shrines dedicated to Oyamakui-no-kami, god of Mount Hie in Shiga Prefecture, have existed since the Heian period, but it is believed that in the 12th century a man named Edo built a shrine dedicated to this deity on the site of the present imperial palace. When Ota Dokan established the Edo Castle in 1478, he kept the sanctuary which was then dedicated to the protective deity of the shogun. The main building, built in the 18th century shintō style, was unfortunately destroyed during the World War II. The buildings visible today are therefore reconstructions dating from the late 1950s. They respect the gorget zukuri style, i.e. an architectural form where the main shrine and the place of worship are built under the same H-shaped roof.
The Sanno matsuri, the festival of the sanctuary, takes place on June 15. It is one of Tokyo's major festivals, and it attracts crowds to watch the procession. During a 9am parade, which passes through the Imperial Palace, Ginza and Nihonbashi, three mikoshi (divine palanquins) are carried around the city by men and women in traditional costumes. Other festivities take place for a week at the sanctuary. On the morning of the parade, large straw rings are displayed. Passing through them is an act of purification.
Book the Best Activities with Get Your Guide
Members' reviews on HIE JINJA
