Hie Shrine (Sanno-cho, Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture) Complete Guide | A Thorough Explanation of Sanno-san’s History, Blessings, and Festivals
Located in Sanno-cho, in the heart of Toyama City, Hie Shrine is the tutelary shrine of the Toyama Domain, affectionately known as “Sanno-san” by the citizens of Toyama. Known for its diverse blessings, including matchmaking, safe childbirth, and prosperity in commerce and industry, it is a representative shrine of Toyama Prefecture, attracting over 200,000 visitors from within and outside the prefecture during New Year’s visits and the Sanno Festival.
This article comprehensively explains everything you need to know before visiting Hie Shrine, from its founding to the present day, including its history, the deities enshrined and their blessings, annual festivals and events, highlights of the shrine grounds, access methods, and information on prayers and Shinto wedding ceremonies.
History and Origins of Hie Shrine
Founding and Ancient Records
The exact founding date of Hie Shrine is unknown due to the loss and scattering of old records. However, existing documents indicate that it already possessed a magnificent shrine building and grounds by the second year of the Kenmu era (1335). This period corresponds to the Nanboku-cho period (Northern and Southern Courts period), suggesting that Hie Shrine was an important center of faith in the Toyama region.
From the Sengoku Period to the Edo Period
During the Sengoku period, Oda Nobunaga granted Etchu Province to Sasa Narimasa, who entered Toyama Castle and deeply revered Hie Shrine. Later, Maeda Toshinaga, the second lord of the Kaga Domain who entered Toyama Castle, donated the current site and constructed the shrine buildings.
Maeda Toshinaga declared Hie Shrine to be the tutelary deity of Toyama, and thereafter, it received deep reverence from successive generations of the Maeda family. The “Sō-Ubusuna-gami” refers to the guardian deity of an entire region. Along with the development of Toyama Castle town, Hie Shrine played a crucial role as a spiritual pillar of the Toyama domain.
Trials and Reconstruction from the Meiji to Showa Eras
Hie Shrine suffered two major disasters in modern times. In 1899 (Meiji 32), the main hall and worship hall were destroyed in a large fire that engulfed the entire city of Toyama. It suffered another tragedy in 1945 (Showa 20), when it was destroyed again by fire during the war.
However, thanks to the deep faith and strong will of the people of Toyama, it was remarkably rebuilt each time. The current shrine buildings were rebuilt after the war and have been preserved to this day as a spiritual anchor for the people of Toyama.
Deities Enshrined and Benefits
Main Deity and Enshrined Deities
The following deities are enshrined at Hie Shrine:
Main Deities:
- Ōyamakui-no-kami: Known as the god of mountains and agriculture, and also the main deity of Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine on Mount Hiei.
- Ōnamuchi-no-kami: Another name for Ōkuninushi-no-mikoto, worshipped as the god of matchmaking and commerce/industry.
Associated Deities:
- Amaterasu-Ōmikami: The supreme deity of Japan.
- Toyouke-Ōmikami: Goddess of food and industry.
Due to the combination of these deities, Hie Shrine is revered as a shrine that bestows diverse blessings.
Diverse Blessings
Hie Shrine is known for the following blessings:
Matchmaking: Due to the divine virtues of Ōnamuchi-no-kami, many young worshippers visit the shrine to pray for successful relationships and romantic fulfillment.
Prayers for Safe Childbirth: The Suiten-gu shrine and the stone statue of the “Safe Childbirth Dog” (a symbol of safe childbirth) within the temple grounds are particularly famous, and on the Day of the Dog (Inu no Hi), it is bustling with many pregnant women praying for a safe delivery. It is customary to stroke one’s zodiac sign while praying.
Business Prosperity and Industrial Thriving: Ōkuninushi-no-kami is also worshipped as the god of commerce and industry, and business owners and merchants praying for business prosperity are constantly visiting.
Family Safety and Traffic Safety: As a god who protects safety in daily life, many people visit to pray for the health of their families and traffic safety.
Prayers for Success in Exams: During exam season, the temple is bustling with visitors praying for academic success and passing exams.
Exorcism: Exorcism prayers for those in their unlucky years are accepted throughout the year.
Highlights of the Shrine Grounds
Zodiac Stone Statues (Stone Statues of the Twelve Zodiac Animals)
The most popular attraction at Hie Shrine is the stone statues of all twelve zodiac animals. Visitors stroke the stone statue of their birth year’s zodiac animal to pray for health, safety, and the fulfillment of their wishes. Especially popular for prayers for safe childbirth is the dog statue, revered as the “safe childbirth dog,” attracting many pregnant women and their families on the Day of the Dog.
The stone statues of each zodiac animal are placed throughout the grounds, and finding your own or your family’s zodiac animal is one of the joys of visiting.
Suiten-gu Shrine
The Suiten-gu Shrine, located within the grounds, is particularly popular among women as a deity of safe childbirth and fertility. The custom of stroking the safe childbirth dog stone statue after visiting Suiten-gu Shrine has become established, making it a sacred place for prayers for safe childbirth.
Atmosphere of the Shrine and Grounds
Despite being located in the urban environment of central Toyama City, the shrine grounds are enveloped in a tranquil atmosphere, making it a beloved “peaceful shrine in the city center” for the citizens. The well-maintained approach, purification fountain, main hall, and worship hall convey the beauty of traditional shrine architecture.
You can also enjoy the changing seasons, with the fresh greenery of spring, the vibrant leaves of summer, the autumn foliage, and the snowy landscapes of winter each displaying a different face.
Annual Festivals and Events
Sanno Festival (Spring Grand Festival)
The largest festival at Hie Shrine is the “Sanno Festival,” held annually from May 31st to June 2nd. Known as one of the largest festivals in Toyama Prefecture, it attracts over 200,000 visitors during its duration.
Characteristics of the Sanno Festival:
- Lion dances and portable shrines are carried through the 50 neighborhoods of the shrine’s parishioners.
- Over 700 stalls line the roads surrounding the shrine grounds (over 1,000 during peak season).
- A beloved event for citizens and residents of Toyama, marking the beginning of early summer in the prefecture.
- A unique atmosphere blending traditional Shinto rituals with the lively atmosphere of a modern festival.
The Sanno Festival is more than just a shrine festival; it’s a special event for the citizens of Toyama, eagerly anticipated by many.
New Year’s Visit
Hie Shrine boasts the largest number of visitors for New Year’s visits in the prefecture, with approximately 230,000 people visiting every year. From New Year’s Day to the third day, the shrine grounds are bustling with worshippers praying for happiness in the new year. A notable feature is the large number of young people seeking blessings for matchmaking.
Other Annual Festivals
Hie Shrine holds various festivals and events throughout the year.
- Saitansai (January 1st): A festival celebrating the New Year
- Setsubunsai (February): A festival for warding off evil and inviting good fortune
- Spring Grand Festival (Sanno Festival) (May 31st – June 2nd)
- Natsukoshi no Oharae (June 30th): A Shinto ritual to purify oneself of sins and impurities accumulated over the past six months
- Autumn Grand Festival (October)
- Shichi-Go-San (November): A festival celebrating the growth of children
- Toshikoshi no Oharae (December 31st): A Shinto ritual to purify oneself of sins and impurities accumulated over the past year
These festivals and events are valuable opportunities to preserve and pass on traditional Japanese annual customs.
About Prayers and Sorrows
Prayer Reception Hours
Hie Shrine accepts various prayers during the following hours:
Prayer Reception Hours:
- 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Telephone Reception Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Main Prayer Services
- Prayer for Safe Childbirth: Generally performed on the Day of the Dog in the fifth month of pregnancy
- First Shrine Visit: Reporting the birth of the baby to the gods and praying for healthy growth
- Shichi-Go-San: Celebrating the growth of children at ages 3, 5, and 7, and praying for their future health
- Exorcism: Prayers for warding off evil during unlucky years
- Prayer for Success in Exams: Prayers for success in exams
- Business Prosperity: Prayers for business development and prosperity
- Family Safety: Prayers for the health and safety of the family
- Traffic Safety: Blessing of cars and prayers for traffic safety
- Matchmaking: Prayers for successful matchmaking
Some prayers require reservations, so we recommend contacting us by phone in advance. ## Shinto Wedding Ceremony
Hie Shrine offers traditional Shinto wedding ceremonies. Its convenient location in the heart of Toyama City and the dignified setting of the shrine make it a popular choice for many couples.
Wedding Packages and Services
Wedding packages are available that include all the necessary services for a Shinto wedding ceremony, providing comprehensive support from the ceremony to the reception. For couples desiring a traditional Japanese wedding, a ceremony at Hie Shrine will be a special memory.
For details, please contact the shrine directly.
About Sanno-ko and the Inko Shrine Reverence Association
What is Sanno-ko?
Sanno-ko is a harmonious gathering of people who feel a connection to and find peace of mind at Hie Shrine. Many citizens participate as an organization that supports Hie Shrine and deepens their faith.
By joining Sanno-ko, you can deepen your connection with the shrine, participate in various festivals, and receive information from the shrine.
Araka Shrine Reverence Association
Within the grounds of Hie Shrine stands the Araka Shrine, and a worship association has been organized for it. It is revered as the god of craftsmen and is supported by people who pray for skill improvement and success in their work.
Access and Transportation Information
Location
Address: 4-12 Sanno-cho, Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture 930-0064
Phone: 076-421-6318
FAX: 076-460-3313
Access by Public Transportation
Tram (Toyama Chihō Railway City Tram):
- Get off at “Grand Plaza-mae” station, approximately 3 minutes on foot
- Approximately 5 minutes from Toyama Station
Bus:
- Take any bus from Toyama Station and get off at “Sanno-cho” bus stop, short walk
Access by Car
Hokuriku Expressway:
- Approximately 15 minutes from Toyama IC
Parking:
- There is a parking lot for visitors on the temple grounds (spaces are limited, so using public transportation is recommended during busy times)
Located in the heart of Toyama City, access is very convenient. You can visit the temple in conjunction with shopping and sightseeing. ## Manners and Points for Visiting a Shrine
Basic Worship Etiquette
- Bow before passing through the torii gate: As a sign of respect before entering the sacred area.
- Purify your body and mind at the water basin: Purify your left hand, then your right hand, then your mouth.
- Walk along the edge of the path: The center is considered the path of the gods.
- Etiquette in front of the main hall: Two bows, two claps, one bow (bow deeply twice, clap twice, bow deeply once).
Recommended Times to Visit
Weekday mornings: Relatively quiet for worship.
Dog Day: Many worshippers pray for safe childbirth, creating a lively atmosphere.
Sanno Festival: Recommended for those who want to enjoy the festival atmosphere.
New Year’s Visit: Experience the special atmosphere of the New Year, but it will be extremely crowded.
How to Worship the Zodiac Stone Statues
When you find the stone statue of your birth year’s zodiac animal, gently stroke it while making your wish. Especially for prayers for safe childbirth, it is customary to stroke the dog statue after visiting Suiten-gu Shrine.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Hie Shrine is located in the heart of Toyama City, so there are many tourist attractions nearby.
Grand Plaza: 3-minute walk, a public square where events and markets are held
Toyama Castle Park: 10-minute walk, home to Toyama Castle’s keep and a local history museum
Toyama Glass Art Museum: 15-minute walk, a fusion of modern architecture and glass art
Sogawa-dori Shopping Street: 5-minute walk, the central shopping street of Toyama City
You can enjoy sightseeing in Toyama City in conjunction with your visit to the shrine.
The Charm and Significance of Visiting Hie Shrine
Hie Shrine is a historical shrine with records dating back to 1335 (Kenmu 2), yet it remains a “living shrine” deeply rooted in the lives of Toyama citizens even today.
Its history of overcoming two fires and subsequent reconstruction speaks to the resilient spirit and deep faith of the people of Toyama. Despite its central urban location, the shrine offers a peaceful atmosphere, diverse blessings, year-round festivals and events, and above all, a warm and welcoming atmosphere, affectionately known as “Sanno-san.” These are the shrine’s greatest charms.
Hie Shrine, which accompanies various milestones and wishes in life, such as matchmaking, safe childbirth, business and industrial prosperity, and family safety, is a shrine you should definitely visit when you come to Toyama.
Summary
Located in Sanno-cho, Toyama City, Hie Shrine boasts a history of nearly 700 years as the principal tutelary shrine of the Toyama Domain, and remains a beloved spiritual center for the people of Toyama Prefecture today.
Hie Shrine, whose main deities are Oyamakui-no-kami and Onamuchi-no-kami, is known for its diverse blessings, including matchmaking, safe childbirth, and prosperity in commerce and industry. The zodiac stone statues and Suiten-gu shrine within the grounds are particularly famous as sacred sites for prayers for safe childbirth. The Sanno Festival, held annually from the end of May to the beginning of June, is one of the largest festivals in the prefecture, attracting over 200,000 visitors and becoming a quintessential early summer event in Toyama.
Located in the heart of Toyama City, it boasts excellent access, being just a 3-minute walk from the “Grand Plaza-mae” tram station. Prayer reception hours are from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and telephone reception is from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
When visiting Toyama, be sure to visit Hie Shrine, affectionately known as “Sanno-san,” and experience its history, tradition, and warm atmosphere.
