A divine festival of a thousand lanterns

Basic Information

Sannō Hie Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to Ōyamakui-no-kami, a mountain deity, and is one of the most important shrines in the Kantō region.

• Address: 2-10-5 Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0014
• Phone Number: 03-3581-2471
• Access: 5-minute walk from Tameike-Sannō Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line or Namboku Line
• Festival Days: June (exact dates vary each year)

Main Events and Attractions of the Festival

The Sannō Festival is a lively and colorful festival that attracts many visitors each year. The main events and attractions of the festival include:

Mikoshi Procession

The highlight of the festival is the mikoshi procession, which takes place on the second day of the festival. Two mikoshi (portable shrines) and one palanquin, each weighing over 500 kilograms, are carried through the streets of Chiyoda by a team of 500 people. The procession is accompanied by music and dancing, and it is a truly impressive sight.

Kagura Performance

Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance and music performance that is often performed at Shinto shrines. During the Sannō Festival, kagura performances are held at the shrine on both days of the festival. The performances are a beautiful and moving way to learn more about Japanese culture.

Food Stalls

No Japanese festival is complete without food stalls, and the Sannō Festival is no exception. Visitors can enjoy a variety of delicious Japanese foods, including yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), takoyaki (octopus balls), and taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes filled with sweet red bean paste).

Bon Odori Dance

On the evening of the second day of the festival, a bon odori dance is held at the shrine. Bon odori is a traditional Japanese folk dance that is performed during the Obon festival, which is a time to honor the spirits of the dead. Visitors are welcome to join in the dance, which is a fun and lively way to experience Japanese culture.

Blessings and Deities

Sannō Hie Shrine is dedicated to Ōyamakui-no-kami, a mountain deity who is revered for its association with agriculture, fishing, navigation, brewing, and as a god of production and prosperity. The shrine is also said to be served by three dragon messengers.

• Ōyamakui-no-kami: The main deity of Sannō Hie Shrine, revered for its association with agriculture, fishing, navigation, brewing, and as a god of production and prosperity.
• Three Dragon Messengers: These three dragons are said to serve Ōyamakui-no-kami and are often depicted in art and literature associated with the shrine.

Origin and History

The origins of Sannō Hie Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the 6th century. The shrine was originally located on Mount Hiei in Kyoto, but it was moved to its current location in Tokyo in 1654. The shrine has been rebuilt several times over the centuries, most recently in 1959.

• Founded: 6th century (exact date unknown)
• Original Location: Mount Hiei, Kyoto
• Moved to Current Location: 1654
• Rebuilt: Most recently in 1959

Tips and Notes for Visitors

Here are some tips and notes for visitors to Sannō Hie Shrine:

• Admission: Free
• Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Access: 5-minute walk from Tameike-Sannō Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line or Namboku Line
• Photography: Photography is permitted within the shrine grounds, but please be respectful of other visitors and avoid using flash photography.
• Dress Code: There is no specific dress code for visiting Sannō Hie Shrine, but it is considered respectful to dress modestly.

Parking Information

There is no parking lot at Sannō Hie Shrine, but there are several public parking lots nearby. The closest parking lot is the Tameike Parking Lot, which is located a 3-minute walk from the shrine.

• Tameike Parking Lot: 3-minute walk from Sannō Hie Shrine
• Other Parking Lots: There are several other public parking lots within a 10-minute walk of the shrine.

Popular Stalls and Food Carts in Recent Years