[2024 Tokyo Attraction] Travel Guide for Kanda Myojin Shrine (Updated Oct)
Taoist Temples
Other Places of Worship
Temples
Address:
2-chōme-16-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021, Japan
Opening times:
Open year round, 24/7Open
Recommended sightseeing time:
1 hour
Phone:
+81 3-3254-0753
Major Shinto Shrine in Tokyo, Kanda Shrine
#tokyotrip
Being one of the oldest shrine dating back around 1270 years ago, the Kanda Shrine has a very deep rooted history and culture. It is a very important shrine especially for the warrior class and the Tokyo citizens especially during the Edo period, whereby the first shogun Tokogawa Ieyasu paid his respects in this shrine. Kanda Festival is also one of the major festival in Tokyo started by Tokugawa Ieyasu to mark his victory on the battle of Sekigahara. It is a very big celebration whereby major roads were closed to pave way for the celebration. One of the interesting fact is that due to its proximity to Akihabara, this shrine also attracts many technogeeks and they even sells talisman to bless the technodevice against any harm to its user.
johnswj90
Sotokanda: The Electric Soul of Akihabara’s Tech and Pop Culture Paradise
#100waysoftravel #awesomepic #japan #tokyo #japantrip
Sotokanda, a lively district nestled within Chiyoda Ward in central Tokyo, is synonymous with Akihabara—Tokyo’s iconic hub for cutting-edge electronics and the thriving world of anime and manga culture. Known as the birthplace of Japan’s tech scene, Sotokanda stands at the intersection of technological innovation and modern subculture, offering a dynamic and immersive experience for both tourists and locals alike.
In the post-WWII era, Sotokanda and Akihabara rose to prominence as an electronics marketplace, where engineers, hobbyists, and tech enthusiasts could find anything from radio components to niche electrical parts. The district quickly earned a reputation as Japan’s go-to destination for electronics, attracting visitors from across the country. Over time, as Japan’s tech industry evolved, so did Akihabara, and Sotokanda became a prime spot for showcasing the latest in consumer technology. Today, it’s a paradise for anyone seeking the newest gadgets, ranging from computers and gaming hardware to robotics and AI innovations.
Yet, Sotokanda is more than just a tech haven—it’s also at the forefront of Japan’s pop culture revolution. Starting in the 1990s, Akihabara transformed into a mecca for anime, manga, and video game fans. Visitors strolling through Sotokanda will find themselves surrounded by towering buildings filled with specialty shops, arcades, and anime-themed cafes. These establishments cater to an international community of fans known as “otaku,” who come to the district for rare figurines, exclusive collectibles, and immersive experiences like maid cafés, where staff dressed as anime characters serve food in an interactive, themed environment.
One of the area’s cultural landmarks is the Kanda Myojin Shrine, located just a short walk from the neon lights of Akihabara. This centuries-old Shinto shrine provides a stark contrast to the high-tech world nearby, offering visitors a peaceful space for reflection amidst the hustle and bustle. The shrine is also popular among tech enthusiasts, who come here to pray for success in business or seek blessings for their electronic devices.
Sotokanda’s mix of tradition and modernity makes it one of Tokyo’s most unique districts. Whether you’re there to explore the latest in tech, dive into the colorful world of anime culture, or simply soak in the electric atmosphere, Sotokanda is a place where Japan’s past and future seamlessly coexist. From sprawling electronics markets to quirky themed cafés, it’s an area that continues to push the boundaries of innovation and entertainment, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Tokyo.
MJkang
Kanda Myojin
Located in the Sotokanda area of Chiyoda Ward, Kanda Myojin is known as the guardian of the front demon gate of Edo Castle. While maintaining its tradition as the general guardian of Edo, the shrine actively engages in unique initiatives such as developing collaboration goods with anime works, planning events, and holding the 'DX Prayer Festival' for collecting unwanted business cards.
Access
JR Chuo Line/Sobu Line: 5-minute walk from Ochanomizu Station (Hijiribashi Exit)
Keihin-Tohoku Line/Yamanote Line: 7-minute walk from Akihabara Station (Electric Town Exit)
Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line: 5-minute walk from Ochanomizu Station (Exit 1)
Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line: 5-minute walk from Shin-Ochanomizu Station (Exit B1)
Tokyo Metro Ginza Line: 5-minute walk from Suehirocho Station
Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line: 7-minute walk from Akihabara Station
TzT_offical.jp
Shrine at Akihabara area with a mini horse
Kanda Myoujin Shrine
address :
2 Chome-16-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021, Japan
Visit this shrine near Akihabara. We entered through an entrance that is located above a flight of stairs. The place is huge and there were many people queueing for prayer. We follow a group of people and watch how they did their prayer at one of the stations. It's for luck and wealth. There is this circular straw for the December purification ritual in front of Daikoku. We bought a fortune reading from one of the claw machines and from the box. There is also a keychain from the gachapon machine. Saw a mini horse at one of the houses. The horse remains very still in the shelter. I would have mistaken it as a statue because it barely moves.
kozonias
Kanda Shrine
#2024wish Beautiful shrine complex 1200 years old. The site is very peaceful, with several small shrines and a major sized shrine. Finally I get to visit a more friendly attraction place. It wasn't busy when I got there but later by 2pm it was starting to get busy but not crowded like other temple in the advertisement for tourists. I continue to do other area for city site viewing walk. The cleaning fountain is outside of the temple before you go in.The gate is also beautiful and very well ornate. There is a water fall to the right of the main shrine with beautiful iron cast lions. There is also a small pony living in the premises.
I wish travel to South Korea in 2024