Kanda Shrine, Tokyo

Kanda Shrine, located in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has a rich history that spans 1,270 years. Over the centuries, this Shinto shrine has undergone multiple reconstructions due to fires and earthquakes. It occupies a prestigious location within Tokyo, known for its expensive real estate. Kanda Shrine held significant importance for both the warrior class and the general population of Japan, particularly during the Edo period when Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu paid his respects at the shrine.

The entrance to Kanda Shrine is marked by the impressive two-story main gate called Zuishin-mon, which was reconstructed in 1995 using cypress wood and features an irimoya-styled roof. The shrine building itself follows the Shinto architectural style known as Gongen-zukuri. It is painted in vermilion and adorned with gold accents, boasting beautifully lacquered interiors. Throughout the shrine grounds, one can find numerous sculptures representing the enshrined kami.

Kanda Shrine hosts the Kanda Festival (Kanda matsuri), one of Tokyo's three major Shinto festivals. It was initiated in 1600 by Tokugawa Ieyasu to commemorate his decisive victory at the Battle of Sekigahara. During that era, the festival was significant enough to be designated a state celebration, and its elaborately decorated mikoshi (portable shrines) were paraded through the main streets, even reaching Edo Castle for the shogun's observation. Today, the festival continues in honor of the enshrined kami and occurs around May 15 every odd year. Additionally, the Daikoku Festival is held at Kanda Shrine in January.