Hie Shrine in Photos
Hie Shrine isn’t the biggest in Tokyo. But, it is one of the best. Great architecture, many monkeys, and big red gates will keep your camera busy. You can even take an escalator to it! There is much to see. If that isn’t enough, it is home to an important festival – the Sanno. How good is that? Let’s explore it!
A Brief History of Hie Shrine
If you need a brief history of it, here it is. Ota Dokan built the shrine within the grounds of Edo Castle (now Tokyo Imperial Palace). When Ieyasu Tokugawa moved to Edo, he shifted it to its current location. From 1871 to 1946, the government designated it as a Kanpei-Taisha. That meant it received a lot of support. In World War II, air raids destroyed the buildings, but they were rebuilt in 1958. Short enough?
What is there for photographers?
There are six things about the shrine that should grab a photographer’s attention:
- Monkey statues! There are a lot, and not every shrine has them. So, why here? The kami (god/spirit) of Hie shrine is Oyamakui-no-kami, and the primates are his messengers. He needs them nearby (symbolically, at least)! Furthermore, they are considered patrons of harmonious marriages and safe childbirth.
- Hie is also known for its “Senbon Torii” (the 1000 torii gates). It would have to be one of the shrine’s most photographed features. Not as famous as the ones at Fushimi Inari in Kyoto, but still attractive for photos.
- Escalators! As the shrine is on top of a large hill with some very steep sides, this was a great idea. I, for one, prefer it to the stairs as there are a lot of those! Remember to look back and enjoy the urban view when you go up. And how long does it take to take to the top? I timed it, and it took two minutes and four seconds!
- Hie Shrine has classic Japanese architecture. But it has one ace up its sleeve. It is in the middle of an enormous city with some huge buildings nearby looking down on it. You get the contrast between old and new. A busy metropolis surrounds the quiet, classic shrine.
- The shrine is famous for its Sanno Festival, in June. It’s a great event, but not as large as Sensoji’s Sanja. Every second year it includes a procession that tours the city. Along the way, it stops at the Imperial Palace.
- Weddings! You might get lucky on your visit and see a wedding procession.
What else is there?
On the grounds, you will also find a building named “Collection Hall.” It is a mini-museum that houses a collection of Edo-period weapons, letters, and even a portable shrine. There is even a lion mask covered with a shogun’s calligraphy practice. But, you need to read Japanese to understand what is on the plaques. It is a pity photography isn’t allowed.
Sanno Festival
Tokyo has many festivals, but the biggest three are the Kanda, the Sanja, and the Sanno. The Sanno belongs to Hie Shrine. The full version is in even-numbered years. It extends over a week, but most of its events are relatively small. This is something I always look forward to attending when my schedule permits.
During the even-numbered years, the festival’s main attraction is a parade. It goes through central Tokyo. Of course, it starts and ends at Hie. I don’t have pictures of it, but you can see photographs of the shrine from the 2016 event here.
Where is Hie Shrine?
It’s in the heart of the city near the government offices and the palace.
The address is: 2-10-5 Nagatachō, Chiyoda City, Tokyo
Here it is on a Google map:
Closest train station:
Akasaka on the Chiyoda Metro Line. Use Exit 2.
Opening hours
6 AM to 5 PM
Conclusion
Hie is a great place. To visit such a shrine amid some Tokyo skyscrapers is quite an experience. But, if I had to pick a time for a visit, it would be for the Sanno Festival.
If you are looking for something unique in Tokyo, this shrine is for you. I don’t know of any others with monkeys and escalators! And if you poke into its nooks and crannies, you might also find a few other things to surprise you.
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and plans to capture the entire city.
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External websites with Hie Shrine photos: