Kanda Myojin

東京都

Guardian of 108 Edo neighborhoods — now the anime-ema sanctuary of Akihabara

Founded

730

Type

Shrine

Visited

Want to go

Access

5 min walk from JR Ochanomizu Station

2-16-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda

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Info

Shrine

Founded 730

1296 years

Enshrined Deity

大己貴命

少彦名命

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平将門命

Overview

The chief guardian shrine of Edo, said to have been founded in 730, enshrining three deities: Okuninushi no Mikoto (blessings of good relationships and business), Sukunahikona no Mikoto (medicine and brewing), and Taira no Masakado (valor and warding off disaster). When Tokugawa Ieyasu prayed here for victory before the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, and subsequently triumphed, he bestowed the titl…

Origins

Founded in 730 enshrining Okuninushi. Taira no Masakado's spirit was added in 1309. The Battle of Sekigahara (1600) fell on the day of the Kanda Festival, leading Ieyasu to credit the shrine for his victory. It became the chief guardian shrine of Edo under generous Tokugawa patronage. The Kanda Fest…

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Divine Benefits

Business Prosperity

Matchmaking

Warding Off Evil

Flourishing trade, new-shop openings, successful deals. A central prayer at Inari and Ebisu shrines.

祭
Festivals & Events
— 7

2月

Kanda Myojin Setsubun Festival

Setsubun festival at Kanda Myojin, the guardian shrine of Kanda and Akihabara. Grand bean-throwing ceremonies are performed by the year's "year people" and shrine priests. Visitors gather to catch lucky beans as this Edo tradition calls in spring.

もっと詳しく · 6

記
Related Articles
— 17

記

Kanda Myojin: 1,300 Years as Guardian of Edo and Tokyo

Founded in 730 CE, Kanda Myojin served as the guardian shrine of the entire Edo castle town. Enshrining three deities including Taira no Masakado, it remains deeply embedded in Tokyo's business culture and hosts the famous Kanda Festival every other year.

architecture

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記

Mikoshi — The Portable Shrine: History, Structure, and How to Carry a God

A mikoshi is the portable "vehicle" in which a deity temporarily resides during a festival procession. This guide covers the history and structure of mikoshi, the rituals of miyairi and togyo processions, and the festivals at Kanda Myojin, Asakusa Shrine, Hie Shrine, Tsurugaoka, and Yasaka Shrine.

basics

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記

Nihonbashi Shichifukujin Pilgrimage: A Half-Day Lucky Gods Tour of Old Tokyo

The Nihonbashi Shichifukujin pilgrimage covers 8 shrines and temples in Tokyo's historic merchant quarter, all walkable in 2–3 hours. Best visited in January, it combines New Year's fortune-seeking with old-Tokyo neighborhood charm.

seasonal

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もっと詳しく · 14

史
Related Historical Events
— 1

940

平将門の乱

天慶2年（939年）、関東の豪族・平将門が常陸・下野・上野の国府を次々に攻め落とし、自ら「新皇」を称して朝廷に反旗を翻した。将門は関東一円を支配下に収め、独立政権の樹立を目指したが、天慶3年（940年）2月、従弟の平貞盛と下野押領使・藤原秀郷の連合軍に猿島郡で討たれた。首は京都に送られてさらし首にされたが、やがてその首が東国へ飛び帰ったという伝説が生まれ、落ちた場所が「将門塚」として現在も大手町に祀られている。将門の乱は東国武士の自立の萌芽であり、200年後の源平合戦、鎌倉幕府成立への遠い前奏曲でもあった。

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Visiting Information

Hours

The shrine grounds are accessible for worship 24 hours a day (lights off at 23:00). The shrine office/amulet counter is generally open 9:00–16:30, and prayer reception is generally 9:00–16:00.

Admission

Visiting the shrine grounds is free. Viewing the Saishiden hall/museum requires a fee (¥500 adults, ¥300 students, free for junior high age and under).

As of 2026-07-17. Subject to change.

Official Links