Kanda Myojin

A bright colourful Tokyo shrine

Peter Sidell Aug 21, 2015 - 1 min read

<p>Airborne lions under the eaves of the gate</p>

<p>Looking across the compound to the main hall</p>

<p>Here's where you purify your hands before prayer</p>

<p>Sake barrels piled up at the rear</p>

<p>The closeness to Akihabara might explain all the manga-style prayer boards</p>

<p>Another view of the compound, with the gift shop next to the main hall</p>

<p>The main entrance from the street</p>

<p>Behind the main hall there are a handful of smaller side shrines like this one</p>

<p>Much of the shrine is newly reconstructed, but this lantern is original</p>

<p>This guardian watches from its hill for intruders</p>

A few minutes walk from Ochanomizu station in central Tokyo, Kanda Myojin is a lively, colourful shrine that's enjoyable to stroll round if you're in the area. The main gate is lavishly decorated with carvings painted in vibrant colours, and there are a handful of interesting statues, of Shinto deities and guardian lions. It's also an important working shrine, so you'll sometimes see monks and nuns walking around in their vestments.

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Peter Sidell @peter.sidell

I came to Japan from Manchester, England in 2003, and have travelled a lot since then, around Japan and in Asia. When I'm not working, I write satire and perform stand-up comedy in and around Tokyo. Check YouTube for a taste.