A Popular Sacred Place -“Hibiya Shrine” Surrounded by Skyscrapers in the City Center

“Hibiya Shrine” (日比谷神社) in Shimbashi, Minato-ku is a small one, which is located at the corner of a heavy traffic road. The shrine is popular as a spot that business workers easily visit there as well as tourists because it’s located in the business districts. you can enjoy the appearance of the Shrine unique to central Tokyo.

The shrine has enshrined the deities of Ise Jingu Gaiku (伊勢神宮外宮, outer shrine of Ise Jingu), Toyouke-no-Okami (豊受大神) and Hraedo-no-yotsubashira Okami (祓戸四柱大神). Hibiya Shrine was originally enshrined in Hibiya Park of former Kojimachi-Ku. At that time, the shrine’s office opened for travelers who were suffering from all over the country and they prayed for good health. Therefore, people have come to be called it ‘Saba Inari’ (旅泊稲荷, accommodation was read Saba) and the shrine’s name became known as ‘Saba Inari’ (鯖稲荷) later.

It is believed that the shrine has a miraculous efficacy for the prevention of tooth decay. It is said that people who actually prayed and healed dedicated ‘Saba’ (鯖). Even now, many people visit there as a shrine that brings you good luck for ‘prevention of tooth decay’.

The best feature of this shrine is that it is surrounded by skyscrapers in the big city. The vermilion ‘torii gate’ (鳥居) in the corner of the road where many cars come and go is a landmark. Normally a shrine is surrounded by trees, but “Hibiya Shrine” is surrounded by many buildings. After passing through the torii gate and climbing the stairs, you will see the shrine building. The skyscrapers spread out behind the shrine, and you can take pictures that are truly picturesque.

“Hibiya Shrine” is a sacred place which is located in a big city. Why not visit for seeking the unique scenery and good fortune that integrate with the center of a city?