Located in the heart of Tokyo's Toshima Ward, the Hie Shrine is one of Japan's most iconic Shinto shrines. Dedicated to Inari Okami, the Shinto deity of rice fertility and prosperity, the shrine is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that form a tunnel leading to the inner shrine. Visitors often make offerings of purple sweet potatoes and pray for good fortune, success in business, and blessings on their households.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari
- Kami enshrined
- Inari, Fujin, Ryujin, Kusunoki
- Coordinates
- 35.7391967, 139.7180896
Visitor tip
To avoid long lines, visit the shrine early in the morning or later in the evening and make an offering of purple sweet potatoes at the torii gate.
Cultural notes
In addition to Inari Okami, Hie Shrine also enshrines several other kami, including Fujin Ryujin (Gods of Wind and Sea) and Kusunoki Masakado. The shrine's famous vermilion gates are a notable example of Edo-period architecture.
Historical note
The Hie Shrine was originally constructed during the Heian period (794-1185 CE) as a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari Okami. The current main hall dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868 CE).