Guide to the Shrine Grounds
Akasaka Hikawa Shrine is located in the heart of the city, yet it is surrounded by a lush, green sacred grove. It welcomes visitors throughout the seasons with a variety of beautiful scenes, from fresh greenery in spring and the sound of cicadas in summer to the vibrant autumn leaves.
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Goshaden (Main Sanctuary)
The main sanctuary was built in 1730 by Yoshimune Tokugawa, the 8th Shogun of Edo. It has survived numerous wars and earthquakes, preserving its original appearance. In 1976, it was designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Tokyo.
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Shiawase Inari Shrine (Four Inari Shrines)
Inari shrines are dedicated to the deity of prosperous business. Shiawase Inari Shrine was built in 1898, formed by the merger of four Inari shrines that were previously located around Akasaka Hikawa Shrine.
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Torii (Shrine Gate)
The torii gate is the first thing you see when you visit a shrine. Always located at the entrance, it serves to separate the secular world from the sacred precinct. In other words, the area within the gate is considered holy ground.
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Komainu (Guardian Dogs)
The pair of komainu placed on either side of the approach to the shrine are lion-like statues that act as guardians and ward off evil. Akasaka Hikawa Shrine has seven pairs of komainu on its grounds. Notably, the pair flanking the main gate were created in 1675, making them the oldest stone komainu currently existing in a Tokyo shrine.
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Ishidoro (Stone Lanterns)
The stone lanterns at a shrine are installed to ward off evil spirits by lighting a flame and to pray for divine protection. The lanterns located in front of the main gate were dedicated by the samurai who were in charge of building the sanctuary to commemorate its completion.
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O-icho (Great Ginkgo Tree)
Our great ginkgo tree is estimated to be 450 years old, with a trunk circumference of about 7.5 meters. Although much of its trunk was burned in the Great Tokyo Air Raid of 1945, its leaves turn a vivid yellow every year in late November.