Kanda Shrine

Located in the Kanda and Akihabara area, this Shinto shrine serves as the guardian deity for a wide region; not only the surrounding neighborhoods but also 108 town associations including Nihonbashi, Otemachi, and Toyosu Fish Market. Affectionately known as Myojin-sama, it has long been revered and deeply trusted by the local community.

History

The shrine is said to have been founded in 730 (Tenpyo 2) by Makanda no Omi of the Izumo clan. Over time, its history became intertwined with that of the Heian-period warrior Taira no Masakado, who rebelled against the imperial court. After being defeated, Masakado’s severed head was displayed in Kyoto, but legends say that his vengeful spirit caused strange phenomena night after night. Transformed into an onryo (a powerful vengeful spirit) his head is believed to have flown back to his homeland in the Kanto region in search of its body. It eventually fell exhausted near what is now Ōtemachi in Tokyo, where it was enshrined with great respect. He was later honored as one of the deities of Kanda Shrine.

During the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, Tokugawa Ieyasu is said to have prayed at Kanda Myojin before heading into combat. Victory was secured on the very day of the Kanda Festival, and this triumph led to the unification of Japan under his rule.

Throughout the Edo period, the shrine was revered as the Sōchinju of Edo (the chief guardian shrine of the city) and continued to play an important spiritual role. In the Meiji era, Emperor Meiji himself also paid his respects here. For centuries, Kanda Shrine has grown and flourished together with the city of Tokyo, remaining a beloved place of worship for the community.

Deities

It enshrines Onamuchi-no-Mikoto, the god of matchmaking; Sukunahikona-no-Mikoto, the god of prosperous business; and Taira no Masakado-no-Mikoto, the god of warding off misfortune and calamities. Blessings include matchmaking, business prosperity, academic success, and protection from misfortune.

Onamuchi-no-Mikoto is also known as Okuninushi-no-Mikoto or Daikoku-sama, and is said to be the deity who created the nation of Japan.

Legend of Taira no Masakado

Taira no Masakado, mentioned above, sought to rule the eastern provinces by proclaiming himself the “New Emperor.” The imperial court moved to suppress him, and after his death, his severed head was put on display. It is said that even as only a head, it laughed and uttered words of resentment, and did not decay for three months. Rumors spread that Masakado might be resurrected by the power of his lingering grudge, and over time he came to be regarded as a vengeful spirit or a fearsome supernatural being.

On the other hand, he is also said to have been a man of strong loyalty and righteousness, and he came to be revered as a hero, especially in the eastern provinces. For the common people and warriors living far from Kyoto, where the imperial court resided, Masakado was likely seen as a heroic figure due to his defiance toward the ruling government.

Although it is located a bit away from Kanda Shrine, in Otemachi, Tokyo, there is a site known as Masakado-zuka, said to be where the head of Taira no Masakado was laid to rest. The mound remains standing alone amid rows of office buildings. The reason it was left untouched is that when attempts were made to remove it, several officials and engineers involved in the construction died suddenly one after another, and the project was eventually abandoned. As a result, rumors spread that it was a cursed land and even today, memorial services are held there every year.

Highlights

The shrine buildings were destroyed in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, but in 1934 they were rebuilt using reinforced concrete and finished with a vibrant vermilion lacquer. Reconstruction continued afterward, and in 1976, the Zuishin Gate was rebuilt in traditional cypress wood. As a result, the shrine has regained a grandeur that rivals its appearance in the Edo period.

At the shrine office, you can receive various blessings and prayers, including those for matchmaking, business prosperity, protection from misfortune, and family harmony. They also offer unique amulets such as a Work Amulet that comes with a business card holder, a Digital Security Amulet, amulets for pets, and others featuring lace or koban (oval gold coin) designs, so you can choose one that best suits your preferences.

Collaborations with Manga and Anime

Located close to the Akihabara area, the shrine has also become a popular destination for fans of anime, manga, and light novels, as it has appeared in works such as the Love Live! series and STEINS;GATE.

They still regularly collaborate with manga and anime. As of November 7, 2025, the EDOCCO SHOP IKIIKI inside the shrine grounds began offering special goshuin (shrine stamps) in collaboration with The Apothecary Diaries.

At the Kanda Shrine Archives there are a variety of exhibitions on display. Until November 24, 2025, special merchandise tied to Initial D and MF Ghost was on sale. In addition to acrylic stands, shrine items such as goshuin-cho (stamp-books) and protective pocket-salt.

Moreover, the Kanda Shrine Hall, which is capable of hosting large-scale events, also holds idol concerts. It has become a "sacred place" for underground idols, hosting festivals and live-band events, including the summer Kanda Myojin Idol Noryo Festival.