Akasaka Hikawa Shrine 赤坂氷川神社

A peaceful shrine and garden, and the site of one of Tokyo’s biggest festivals

Akasaka Hikawa Shrine is a Shinto shrine nestled in lush green surroundings a 8 minute walk from Akasaka Station. The main spiritual guardian of Akasaka is enshrined here, so come and pay your respects. Surrounded by smaller sacred sites, the area is a great place to take a morning or afternoon stroll.

The shrine comes alive during the grand three-day festival known as the Akasaka Hikawa Matsuri, which happens in mid-September. The festival runs only on odd numbered years. During the event, paradegoers swarm the streets, dragging dashi floats (old fashioned floats on wheels), and carrying portable shrines known as mikoshi. If you happen to be in the area, drop by to experience the revelry.