Hokkaido Shrine
北海道神宮
Hokkaido · Sapporo
Independent Ichinomiya Development
Kanda Shrine (Kanda Myojin)
神田神社
/ Kanda Jinja
Admission
Free
Goshuin (Temple Seal)
500 JPY
Access
5 min walk
Hours
Open daily, 24 hours (shrine office 9:00-16:00)
Overview
Kanda Myojin is one of Tokyo's most important shrines, guardian of the old Edo downtown, and a fascinating case study in how traditional Shinto adapts to modern life. Located steps from Akihabara, the shrine has embraced its proximity to Japan's electronics and anime district by offering IT safety prayers, anime-themed ema (prayer plaques), and collaborations with popular franchises. Yet beneath the modern surface lies nearly 1,300 years of history. One of its three enshrined deities is Taira no Masakado, the rebellious samurai who defied the imperial court in the 10th century, was executed, and subsequently became one of Tokyo's most feared and revered spirits. His spirit was enshrined here after persistent disasters were attributed to his anger. The Kanda Matsuri, held in odd-numbered years in May, is one of Tokyo's three great festivals and features an elaborate procession through the streets of central Tokyo.
History
Founding
📜According to tradition
730 [天平2年]
Founded in 730 in the fishing village of Shibasaki (near modern Otemachi). Relocated to its current site by Tokugawa Hidetada in 1616 as Edo Castle expanded. Survived the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake thanks to its concrete reconstruction in 1934, and subsequently survived the World War II firebombing.
📄
Documented
1616 Source: Relocation records under Tokugawa
730📜According to tradition
Founded in Shibasaki village
1616📄Documented
Relocated to current site by Tokugawa Hidetada
1934📄Documented
Rebuilt in reinforced concrete, surviving both earthquake and war
Enshrined Deities
⛩
primary Deity
God of nation-building, agriculture, medicine, and en-musubi (binding of fates/relationships)
⛩
primary Deity
God of fishing, commerce, and good fortune; oracle deity and later identified with Ebisu
⛩
Taira No Masakado
primary Deity
Blessings
Shrine Network
Independent head
Did You Know?
💡
The shrine offers 'IT safety' prayers and charms, popular with Akihabara's tech workers and companies seeking protection against system crashes and cyber attacks.
Source: documented
💡
Taira no Masakado's spirit is considered so powerful that when his burial mound near Tokyo Station was threatened by redevelopment, a series of accidents halted construction until the mound was preserved.
Source: tradition
💡
The shrine was rebuilt in reinforced concrete in 1934 after the 1923 earthquake destroyed the wooden original, making it one of the first concrete shrines in Japan.
Source: documented
In Pop Culture
anime / 2010
Love Live! School Idol Project Kanda Myojin (Kanda Shrine) in Chiyoda, Tokyo. Appears in the anime and has become a major pilgrimage site. The shrine has officially collaborated with the franchise, selling themed goods and ema.
anime / 2019
Weathering with You Kanda Myojin area appears in the film. The shrine's proximity to Akihabara and its weather-related traditions connect to the film's themes.
anime / 2003
Gintama Kanda Myojin in Tokyo. The series is set in the Kabukicho/Edo area, and Kanda Myojin as a historic Edo shrine is associated with the series' setting.
Practical Information
Location Coordinates
35.7020, 139.7681
Physical Address
2-16-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda, Tokyo
東京都千代田区外神田2-16-2
Access
Ochanomizu Station (JR Chuo Line) / Suehirocho Station (Ginza Line)
5 min walk
Hours
Open daily, 24 hours (shrine office 9:00-16:00)
Visitor information last verified: 2026-04-06. Please check the official website for the latest details.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Information provided by Jinja DB Editorial Team
What is Kanda Shrine (Kanda Myojin)?
Kanda Myojin is one of Tokyo's most important shrines, guardian of the old Edo downtown, and a fascinating case study in how traditional Shinto adapts to modern life. Located steps from Akihabara, the shrine has embraced its proximity to Japan's electronics and anime district by offering IT safety prayers, anime-themed ema (prayer plaques), and collaborations with popular franchises. Yet beneath the modern surface lies nearly 1,300 years of history. One of its three enshrined deities is Taira no Masakado, the rebellious samurai who defied the imperial court in the 10th century, was executed, and subsequently became one of Tokyo's most feared and revered spirits. His spirit was enshrined here after persistent disasters were attributed to his anger. The Kanda Matsuri, held in odd-numbered years in May, is one of Tokyo's three great festivals and features an elaborate procession through the streets of central Tokyo.
Where is Kanda Shrine (Kanda Myojin) located?
Kanda Shrine (Kanda Myojin) is located in Chiyoda, Tokyo. The full address is: 2-16-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda, Tokyo.
What deities are enshrined at Kanda Shrine (Kanda Myojin)?
The enshrined deities are: Okuninushi no Mikoto, Kotoshironushi no Kami, taira no masakado.
What blessings can you pray for at Kanda Shrine (Kanda Myojin)?
Kanda Shrine (Kanda Myojin) is known for: Business Prosperity, IT Safety, Matchmaking, Warding Off Evil.
How do I get to Kanda Shrine (Kanda Myojin)?
The nearest station is Ochanomizu Station (JR Chuo Line) / Suehirocho Station (Ginza Line). It is about a 5-minute walk from the station.