Where is Tokyo?: The Allure and Blessings of Hie Shrine

9/24/2024

The Allure and Blessings of Hie Shrine

Nestled in Nagatacho, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, Hie Shrine is renowned for hosting the Sanno Festival, one of Edo's three great festivals. As a guardian shrine of the Imperial Palace's "rear demon gate," it's believed to offer protection against misfortune, bring couples together, and ensure safe childbirth. It's also a popular power spot for career success and professional advancement. Conveniently located just a 3-minute walk from Akasaka Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line.

While steeped in history, the shrine boasts modern, barrier-free facilities, including escalators, eliminating the need to climb long flights of stairs.

Historical Significance of Hie Shrine

Hie Shrine (Hie Jinja) is a crucial shrine in central Tokyo, particularly known for its connection to the Tokugawa family. Established in 1478 to protect Edo Castle, it enshrines Oyamakui-no-kami, the guardian deity of Tokyo. The annual Sanno Festival in June, one of Tokyo's three major festivals, draws large crowds.

The shrine is also popular for prayers related to safe childbirth, marriage, and business prosperity.

Hie Shrine's Historical Significance in Japanese Culture

History of Hie Shrine

Hie Shrine traces its origins to the Kamakura period and was founded by Ota Dokan in 1478. We'll delve into the shrine's historical background and its development.

Relationship with the Tokugawa Family

Hie Shrine has deep ties with the Tokugawa family, playing a crucial role when Tokugawa Ieyasu established Edo Castle as his base. We'll explore the historical significance of this relationship.

Origins of the Sanno Festival

The Sanno Festival began in the Kamakura period and evolved into its current form during the Edo period. We'll examine the festival's origins and historical context.

Role of Oyamakui-no-kami

Oyamakui-no-kami, enshrined at Hie Shrine, plays a vital role as the guardian deity of Tokyo. We'll explore the deity's role and the associated beliefs.

Cultural Significance in Tokyo

Hie Shrine holds an important place in Tokyo's culture. We'll consider the shrine's impact on Tokyo's cultural and social landscape.

Hie Shrine and Tokugawa Ieyasu's Connection

When Tokugawa Ieyasu made Edo Castle his residence in 1590, Hie Shrine was revered as the "guardian shrine of the castle" and beloved by Edo citizens as the "birth deity of Edo."

The shrine has strong ties to the Tokugawa shogunate, and its treasure hall houses many artifacts related to the shogun family.

Throughout the Edo period, Hie Shrine played a crucial role as the guardian deity of the Tokugawa family.

Tokugawa Ieyasu and the Connection to "SHOGUN"

Tokugawa Ieyasu inspired the character of Yoshii Toranaga in James Clavell's novel "Shogun."

This novel has been adapted into the historical drama "SHOGUN," set on the eve of the Battle of Sekigahara, depicting Tokugawa Ieyasu's struggle for supremacy in the Sengoku period.

The character played by Hiroyuki Sanada is portrayed as the most powerful warlord of the Sengoku era, incorporating elements of Tokugawa Ieyasu.

One of the attractions of Hie Shrine is the opportunity to directly experience structures from the era depicted in "SHOGUN."

Name: Hie Jinja (Shrine)

Genre: Shrine　

Area: Tameike-sannou,Akasaka,Nagatachou,

Address: Address: 2-10-5, Nagata-chō Chiyodaku, Tokyo