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Kanda Myojin Shrine has been historically revered by Tokyo’s residents as the “guardian deity of Edo”. Contrasting the nearby electric neighbourhood of Akihabara, Kanda Myojin is a tranquil sanctuary of a shrine. Over its history dating over 1,300 years ago, Kanda Myojin Shrine has seen the worship of many samurai warriors and daimyo warlords. The breathtaking vermillion architecture is a symbol of this shrine, which survived both the Great Kanto Earthquake and Tokyo Air Raids.
History of Kanda Myojin Shrine
Kanda Myojin Shrine was founded in 730 near present-day Otemachi and has a history of nearly 1,300 years. It was moved to the current location during the Edo period (1603–1867), and shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu is said to have paid his respects at the shrine. As Japan entered the Heisei Period in 1989, Kanda Myojin underwent a turn-of-the-era renovation and reconstruction project. The main hall was re-painted and repaired here and there, and new buildings like the Kanda Myojin Museum were constructed.
Sights to see at Kanda Myojin Shrine
Main Shrine Hall
The brilliant vermillion structure is the Main Hall, established in 1934 after the Great Kanto Earthquake completely destroyed the original building. The main hall combines the hall of offerings, prayer hall, special preparation kitchen and treasure storage into one massive building. The prayer hall, unlike many built during the time, stands partially directly on the ground, so people can pray while keeping their shoes on (as shoes are strictly forbidden when entering). In 2003, on the year of the 400th anniversary of the Edo Period’s opening, the main hall was designated as a National Tangible Cultural Heritage.
Zuishin-mon
The gate located in the beginning of Kanda Myojin is called the Zuishin-mon. Built in 1975, this gate commemorates the 50th anniversary of Emperor Showa’s enthronement. Carvings of gods and depictions of Japanese legends wrap the entirety of the gate. Two gods guard the entrance, protecting the shrine grounds.
Kanda Myojin Museum
Opened in 1998, the Kanda Myojin Museum celebrates the grand Kanda Festival and its historical significance. On the second floor are documents related to the festival and a mini-model of the festival’s mikoshi and dashi. The third floor is a treasure storage exhibiting rare items connecting to the festival. Each floor displays nishiki-e, a woodblock printing style artwork, all the way back from the Edo period.
Statues and Gods
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Kanda Myojin shrine worships three gods, with statues for two of them. One of the three gods worshipped at Kanda Myojin, Ebisu-sama, specialises in business prosperity. Aside from helping businesses prosper, Ebisu-sama also is the god of choice for health and overall luck enhancing. According to legend, Ebisu-sama and Daikoku-sama created the land of Japan together. Onamuchi no Mikoto, or more commonly known as Daikoku-sama, is the god of matchmaking. Legend says Daikoku-sama, along with Ebisu-sama (the god of business prosperity) created Japan. The third god enshrined at Kanda Myojin does not have a statue, but is just as significant. A warrior-turned-god, Masakado-sama serves as the god of disaster prevention. During the Heian Period (794 – 1185), Taira no Masakado fought for commoners against the central government, which gained him respect from commoners and eventually earned himself the deity title.
Kanda Matsuri
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Kanda Matsuri is held in mid-May at Kanda Myojin Shrine on odd numbered years (so intense was the festival that during the Edo period the shogun decreed it cannot take place every year). The festival is held over a 6-day period, but the main event takes place on the Saturday and Sunday: a parade through the surrounding districts of Kanda, Nihombashi, Otemachi, and Marunouchi, including floats and priests on horseback.
More Information
Kanda Myojin Shrine
2-16-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda
Tokyo 101-0021
Access
The shrine is within walking distance of Suehirocho Station on Ginza Line, just 5 minutes on foot.
Admission
Free
Opening Hours
No closing days