Hie Shrine sits on the slope between the Imperial Palace and Roppongi — founded 1478, rebuilt at this site in 1659 to protect Edo Castle. The shrine’s vermilion torii tunnel ascending the eastern slope is Tokyo’s photogenic mini-Fushimi-Inari, just at 1/40 the scale.
What to Expect
Two ways up: from Tameike-Sanno via the eastern torii tunnel (the photogenic approach, 100m of vermilion gates climbing the slope), or from Akasaka via the western stairs and the modern entrance. Take the tunnel up, the stairs down. The main hall at the top has skyline views over Akasaka and the Diet building. Allow 30 minutes — fast visit.
How to Get There
Getting There
From Tokyo Station
- 1Take Tokyo Metro Marunouchi to Akasaka-mitsuke → Akasaka-mitsuke
- 2Transfer to Ginza Line to Tameike-Sanno, walk up torii tunnel → Hie Shrine
Tips
- Sunrise (06:00–08:00) for empty tunnel photos. Locals only at that hour.
- Up via tunnel, down via stairs. Best photo angles + avoids backtracking the tunnel.
- June Sanno-sai festival. Mid-June, mikoshi parades — bigger crowd than usual.
Consider Nezu Jinja Instead
- Where
- 1-28-9 Nezu, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0031
- Hours
- 6:00 – 17:00 daily
- Price
- Free entry
- Map
- Open in Google Maps →
Nezu Jinja offers a comparable shrine experience with a prominent torii path and free entry, located just 5.4 km northeast in Bunkyo ward—easily reached by subway in 15 minutes from central Tokyo. While Hie Shrine draws larger crowds due to its central Nagatacho location and the annual Sanno Matsuri, Nezu attracts fewer visitors despite its historical significance and seasonal azalea festival. The trade-off is architectural: Hie Shrine is dedicated to the monkey deity with a modern treasure house, whereas Nezu is a quieter, more intimate urban shrine better suited to visitors prioritizing atmosphere over major festival events.
FAQ
Hie Shrine vs Fushimi Inari?
Same Inari-deity, same vermilion torii tunnel concept. Fushimi (Kyoto) is 4km of gates; Hie is 100m. Both photogenic; visit Hie if you’re in Tokyo and want a 30-min taste.
Why does it protect the Diet?
Edo Castle stood directly north until 1869; Hie was its protector shrine. After Meiji moved his court here, the National Diet was built on the same axis — the shrine kept its protector role.
