Kanda Myoujin Shrine: Where Anime writer’s pray for success

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Kanda Myoujin Shrine (also known as the Kanda Shrine) looks like every other prayer site at first glance, but upon closer inspection, you’ll see that it is actually a little bit different. These subtle differences have given the site the nickname of the “Anime Shrine”.

But why is it called the Anime Shrine exactly?

This Anime Shrine is a holy prayer site where aspiring anime and manga artists and writers come to ask for success in their creative works.

Whether that be to get published, get more readers, or receive creative help and ideas from the resident spirit guides (more on this later), this is the exact place they come to ask for that help.

Take a look below to see what to expect.

Country:	Japan
Currency:	Japanese Yen / JPY
Do you need a visa to visit as tourists?	Check here

Don’t forget to get travel insurance to cover you if something bad happens. One company I have personal experience with is Safety Wing. Not everyone needs the same coverage, so make sure you get a personalised quote that suits you and your trip plans.

Want to visit some other places in Tokyo? Check out these other Unique temples in the city here.

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How to get to the Anime Shrine?

Location: 2 Chome-16-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021, Japan

This anime shrine is located in the heart of Chiyoda City in Tokyo. Due to being in such a built-up area, there are multiple ways to reach Kanda Myoujin temple depending on which direction you’re travelling from.

Some of the closest subway stations include:

• Ochanomizu Station (JR, Dark Orange, Chūō Line) and also (M, Red Marunouchi Line) then an 8-minute walk
• Yushima Station (C, Turquoise, Chiyoda Line) then an 8-minute walk
• Ogawamachi Station (S, Lime Green, Shinjuku Line) then a 15-minute walk.

Usually, I’d be able to give options for driving but due to the location being so central in the city there are not many parking options and the public transport options are so easily accessible.

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One of the best ways to travel around Tokyo is by using public transportation. The good news is you don’t have to worry about having exact change for each subway and bus journey since you can carry around a Suica card. A Suica is a transportation card that can be bought in advance, topped up with cash, and can be used continuously on travel journeys until the cash runs out.

To use, just tap the card on the scanners at the start and end of each journey, and top up the card when it runs out. It’s a fantastic way to travel Tokyo stress-free while also keeping track of your travel spending.

Pre-order your Suica card to Haneda airport ready for your arrival with this link: Welcome Suica

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What makes the Kanda Myoujin Shrine unique?

Most temples have wishes, hopes and prayers hand-written in plain text on small wooden plaques that are hung up on the temple racks as an offering to the spirit guides (known in Japan as Kami-sama) that call the temple home. Each temple is believed to have different types of Kami-sama or God that can help answer prayers in different areas of life.

It is rather common to see these racks on the grounds of a temple or next to a shrine but the content of the racks at Kanda Myoujin is a little bit different.

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Some other unique temples in Tokyo include:

• Perfect Temple for Cat Lover’s, Gotokuji (Gotoku-ji) Tokyo, Japan
• Visiting the Fox Shrine in Tokyo – (Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Annex)
• Nanzo-in (Nanzoin) Temple Tokyo – The “tied-up” statue

The main attraction point of the Kanda Myoujin Shrine (and why it has become such a popular spot among tourists) is the many anime drawings that are scattered across these offering racks. So, instead of just seeing handwritten text everywhere, you’ll actually be able to see some stunning and creative anime artwork throughout the shrine instead.

Some are just outlines of simplistic characters, and others are much more detailed with expressions and colour showcasing an entire comic book scene. Even if you’re not a fan of anime, you’ll surely be able to appreciate the talent behind each design.

The most enjoyable part of visiting this shrine (in my opinion anyway) is looking for all the creative designs made by those who visited before you. It adds a sense of excitement and uniqueness to this Shrine that you simply won’t find anywhere else.

The history of the Anime shrine

Kanda Myoujin is a type of Shinto shrine that was constructed in the year 730 near what we presently know as Otemachi, before being moved to its current location in what is called modern-day Chiyoda City, Tokyo.

The shrine has a history of over 1300 years and is home to the famous Kanda Matsuri which is known as one of Japan’s top 3 festivals. This special festival only takes place in odd-numbered years (2023, 2025, 2027 and so forth) in May.

The holy site consists of a few other small shrines and buildings you can take a look at and the largest one (the main temple structure) has been reconstructed a few times over the 13 centuries when faced with damage or needing renovations.

The gods worshipped at Kanda Myoujin Shrine

Unlike some smaller shrines that only have one God enshrined there to worship, it is believed that 3 Kami-sama reside in the Kanda Myoujin Shrine.

• Ōnamuchi (Daikoku); a deity of fortune and wealth. Also a member of the “Seven Lucky Gods”

• Sukunabikona (Ebisu); a God of fishermen and luck. Another member of the Seven Lucky Gods, however, is the only one originating in Japan with no Buddhist or Taoist influence.

• Taira no Masakado; is known as one of the first recognised samurai (who became a vengeful ghost after death) and later became enshrined at Kanda Myoujin Shrine.

Is there anything else to enjoy in the area?

On the grounds of the Anime Shrine, you’ll find a newly built souvenir shop and even a small restaurant. This means you can prayers and admire the holy site for a while longer than ither shrines since you can even enjoy a rest here.

Some people come to Kanda Myoujin to take beautiful photographs in traditional kimonos or for their weddings. The colourful shrine buildings make the perfect backdrop for these photos and help create a wonderful memory for those involved.