Shrine · Akasaka / Nagatacho

Hie Shrine 日枝神社

A stately hilltop shrine in the government district, famous for its tunnel of vermilion torii climbing the back stairs and its monkey guardians, with an outdoor escalator for the lazy.

About

Hie Shrine has protected Edo Castle since the 15th century and still sits above Nagatacho, a stone's throw from the National Diet. Its messenger animal is the monkey (saru), a pun on 'evil leaves' and 'victory', so carved monkeys, a mother holding a baby for safe childbirth, a father for good fortune, flank the main hall instead of lions. The real showpiece is the Sanno Inari stairway on the west side: a steep tunnel of closely packed red torii that photographs like a hidden Kyoto. Surrounded by glass towers, the contrast is pure Tokyo. The Sanno Matsuri in mid-June (major parade in even-numbered years) is one of Edo's three great festivals.

Highlights

• Senbon-torii stairway on the west (Sanno-bashi) side
• Shin-shi monkey statues guarding the main hall instead of komainu
• Covered escalators gliding up from the Sanno Park Tower side
• Skyscrapers framing the copper roof, old Edo meets Akasaka
• Sanno Matsuri procession through central Tokyo (June)

Tips

• Enter from Akasaka side (Exit 2 of Tameike-Sanno Station) to climb through the torii tunnel; use the escalators on the Sanno Park Tower side to go up easily.
• The torii tunnel faces west, late-afternoon light makes it glow.
• Monkey-themed omamori make unusual souvenirs; the childbirth-safety charm is popular.

Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09

Nearby

• The Capitol Hotel TokyuStay · 40 m away
• Bar KisalaBars & Nightlife · 220 m away
• Bic Camera Akasaka-mitsuke StationCamera Store · 380 m away
• Coin Lockers · Akasaka-mitsuke StationLuggage Storage · 390 m away
• Bar TiareBars & Nightlife · 400 m away
• 1 Hotel TokyoStay · 500 m away
• National Diet BuildingLandmark & Tower · 520 m away
• Benkei BridgeBridge · 560 m away