Akasaka Hikawa Shrine [Tokyo]

【summary】

In 951, while on a pilgrimage in the eastern part of Japan, the priest Renrin spent the night in Ittsugi Village (near today’s Akasaka 4-chome), where he received an oracle from the deity and built a shrine to worship him. In the summer of 1066, about 100 years later, there was a drought in the Kanto area, and the villagers prayed to the shrine for rain. Since then, the shrine has been deeply worshipped by the Edo shogunate. In the first year of Meiji (1868), the shrine was designated by Emperor Meiji as an “associate imperial shrine” to pray for the protection of the new capital, Tokyo, and the peace of all people. The shrine survived the Great Ansei Earthquake, the Great Kanto Earthquake, and the Tokyo Air Raid, and has remained as it was when it was first built.

The main deities are Susanono-no-mikoto, Kushinadahime-no-mikoto and Oonamujimikoto. The name “Hyogawa” is said to come from the Hyogawa River in Izumo Province (present Hii River in Shimane Prefecture), and the upper reaches of the Hyogawa River are said to be the stage of the “eight-forked serpent extermination” by Susanowo-no-mikoto, the god of the shrine.

【premises】

Although it is located in the big city of Akasaka, once you pass through the torii gate, you will find a lot of greenery, and it feels like a quiet, different space.

The area is larger than expected and there are many places of interest, so it is a good idea to take a leisurely stroll.

The shrine has long been known as a shrine for good marriages and I had the impression that there were many female worshippers. It is said to be beneficial for the fulfillment of difficult love.

Miraculously, the shrine has been preserved in its original form, and was designated as a Tangible Cultural Property (architectural structure) by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in 1976. It is a rare building that has remained intact since the Edo period, although it has been reinforced. The building survived the Great Kanto Earthquake and the Tokyo Air Raid, and is believed to be effective in warding off bad luck.

The floats and portable shrines that parade in the Akasaka Hikawa Festival, held annually around 9/15 to 9/18, are on display, and the Hikawa Festival is a must-see.

It is believed to have grown here before the shrine was relocated, and has been a symbol of Akasaka Hikawa Shrine since the early Edo period. It is a natural monument of Minato City.

【scenery】

The shrine is so green and quiet that it is hard to believe it is in the heart of the city, and there is a drum bridge near the entrance from the Hikawa-zaka direction.

The pond is now dead, but the scenery is still in harmony with the bridge.

Shiawase Inari is located across the Taiko Bridge. The name “Shiawase Inari” was coined by Katsunobu Katsu, who enshrined the nearby Furonare Inari, Jito Inari, Hon Hikawa Inari, and Tamagawa Inari, combining the words “four shrines enshrined together,” “happiness,” and “joining of aspirations.

There are about three entrances to Akasaka Hikawa Shrine, but the approach from Hikawa-zaka is thought to be the oldest, and you can feel the history everywhere. The Taiko Bridge and other parts of the shrine are tasteful, and I recommend visiting from this side.

【Nearby attractions】

Nogi Shrine [Tokyo]

Hie Shrine, National Diet Building, Tokyo Tower, etc.

【Access】

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