The shrine is dedicated to the Tokugawa shoguns (who led Japan during the Edo-era). They are enshrined as kami (gods) here.
Hie Shrine was destroyed in WWII and reconstructed in 1958.
Urban Shrine
Today, Hie Shrine sits on prime central Tokyo land sandwiched between Akasaka (an upscale business district) and Nagatacho (where most of Japan's national government buildings reside).
As if to confirm its status as Japan's most urban shrine — Hie Shrine has an escalator (the shrine sits atop a steep slope).
There are also more traditional (and more scenic) paths to get to the shrine.
Sanno Festival
Hie Shrine sponsors the Sanno Festival — one of Tokyo's best spring festivals.The festival peaks with a procession of around 300 celebrants through the streets of Tokyo. Amazingly, the procession route is more than 20 kilometers long. It begins in genki celebration — by the end everyone looks bored.
Location Map
Hie Shrine is in Nagatacho. The easiest way to get to Hie Shrine is to walk from Akasaka-mitsuke station (via Sotobori-dori street).
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