About
Passing through the vermilion-painted Zuishinmon Gate, you will find yourself in the precincts of Kanda Myojin Shrine, which boasts a history of 1,300 years. Removed from the hustle and bustle of central Tokyo, this place exudes tranquility and sanctity, calming the hearts of those who visit.
At the center of the precincts stands the main shrine building, entirely coated in vermilion lacquer, with a dignified presence. This shrine was rebuilt in 1934 and stands as a witness to history, having withstood the Great Kanto Earthquake and the ravages of war. Renowned architects such as Chuta Ito and Koichi Sato were involved in its design, giving it a beauty that fuses tradition with modern technology.
Kanda Myojin enshrines three deities. The first deity, Okuninushi-no-Mikoto, is known as the god of matchmaking and is also the enshrined deity of Izumo Taisha. The second deity, Sukunahikona-no-Mikoto, is revered as the god of prosperous business and health, and is affectionately known as Ebisu-sama. The third deity, Taira no Masakado-no-Mikoto, is worshipped as a god of warding off calamity and misfortune. Lord Taira no Masakado was a military commander who wielded power in the Kanto region during the mid-Heian period, and his spirit was enshrined at Kanda Myojin to appease him.
Within the precincts stands a statue of Daikoku-sama, which boasts the tallest height among stone statues in Japan. This statue, measuring 6.6 meters in height and weighing about 30 tons, makes an overwhelming impression on visitors. There is also a statue of Ebisu-sama, whose figure surrounded by sea creatures is particularly striking.
Kanda Myojin is also famous for the “Kanda Festival,” which has continued since the Edo period. This festival is counted among the three great festivals of Japan and is grandly held in May of odd-numbered years. Mikoshi (portable shrines) and floats parade through the streets, conveying the splendor of Edo to the present day.
In recent years, Kanda Myojin has also achieved a fusion with contemporary culture. At the cultural exchange center “EDOCCO,” built within the precincts, events and exhibitions where tradition and modernity intersect are held, offering new attractions to visitors. There are also active collaborations with anime works, making the shrine popular among young people as well.
Walking along the approach, you will find a space where history and modernity are harmoniously blended, enriching the hearts of those who visit. Kanda Myojin, located in the heart of Tokyo, continues to be a center of faith and culture across the ages.