Which approach do you chose Hie shrine in Akasaka Tokyo?
I’m Nobu, I like traveling overseas and in Japan, visited 25 countries. I’ve got the license of the certificate English guide in Japan for 8 years.
I show you hidden Japan which you have never seen and heard of!
Hie shrine
There are 4 approaches to get to Hie Shrine
Hie Shrine is a popular shrine located on a hill in Akasaka, Tokyo.
It was founded in 1478 by a samurai named Ota Doshan.
From Akasaka or Akasakamitsuke subway stations, it takes only a few minutes to walk to the shrine gate.
The shrine is located on top of a hill, so you will have to climb a bit.
4 approaches to the shrine
There are 4 approaches to get to the shrine.
1: Otoko-zaka (male road.52 steps to the front gate)
2: Onna-zaka ( female road. It’s a slope)
3: Sanno-bashi (escalator, 132 steps leading to the South Gate)
4: Inari approach (stairs to Senbon Torii gate) 121 steps )
Officially, I think it’s best to enter the shrine gate from the Otoko-Zana approach.
But it’s a steep stairs to look from the bottom, you would hesitate this .
There is a Onna-zaka approach just left side of Otoko-saka.
It’s an milder approach and car road too.
However, the easiest way is of course to take the escalator to the Sanno-bashi approach.
You can take the escalator to the south gate of the precinct ground.
Although the most photogenic path is probably 4 , the Inari approach.
From the Otorii gate on the Akasakamitsuke side, go a little to the left and you will see the Inari approach sign.
If you look up from below, you can take a picture that looks like Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto.
God of mountain
This shrine enshrines the god of the mountains.
And also monkeys are thought as the guardian of the mountain.
In ordinary shrines these are lions to protect God.
But the guardians are monkeys in Hie shrine.
The reading of the character for “monkey” is the same as ‘ relationship’.
Good marriage
So it is believed to be beneficial for bringing people get together.
People who want to make a good marriage come here.
Anyway you have to walk up at the precinct of the shrine.
Which of the 4 routes will you take?
I’m Nobu, one heart enjoy together!!!