Akasaka Hikawa Shrine 赤坂氷川神社
Akasaka, Minato, Tokyo · Open in Google Maps
Akasaka Hikawa Shrine is a quiet, wooded shrine among the embassies and high-rises of Akasaka. It enshrines Susanoo, his wife Kushinada-hime and Ōkuninushi, and was counted among the seven Hikawa shrines of Edo.
What to look for
- The main hall dates from the Edo period and was built under the eighth shogun, Tokugawa Yoshimune.
- A huge old ginkgo tree stands in the grounds and turns bright gold in late autumn.
- It feels far from the city, though it is only a few minutes from busy streets.
Enshrined kami
- Susanoo 素盞嗚尊
- Kushinada-hime 奇稲田姫命
- Ōkuninushi 大己貴命
What people pray for here
Matchmaking and marriage (thanks to Susanoo and Kushinada-hime), and warding off misfortune.
Etiquette
A good stop if you want a shrine without crowds. It pairs well with Nogi Shrine, a short walk away.
New to shrines? Read our short guide to shrine etiquette: purifying your hands, bowing and clapping, offerings, omamori and goshuin.