Originally built in 730 AD, one of Tokyo’s most colorful Shinto shrines is Kanda Myojin, in the quiet Chiyoda neighborhood. We walked there from the nearby non-stop action part of town called “Electric City”, and it was quite a different atmosphere. It is still a very active religious center, and the temple was bustling with locals going in and out to complete prayer rituals at different stations throughout the large shrine complex. Kanda Myojin houses three major Shinto gods, two of which belong to the Seven Gods of Fortune, so it is a popular location for business people and entrepreneurs to pray for success and prosperity.

A visit to the shrine makes for a great photo collection:

Kanda Myojin Shrine in Tokyo (photo by Kim Mance)

Man praying at Kanda Myojin Shrine in Tokyo (photo by Kim Mance)

Omikuji fortunes tied to a tree at Kanda Myojin Shrine in Tokyo (photo by Kim Mance)

Unique architecture at Kanda Myojin Shrine in Tokyo (photo by Kim Mance)

A wall of hanging lanterns at Kanda Myojin Shrine in Tokyo (photo by Kim Mance)

Main gate to Kanda Myojin Shrine in Tokyo (photo by Kim Mance)

Colorful carving on Kanda Myojin Shrine's main gate in Tokyo (photo by Kim Mance)

Fountain where Shinto worshippers begin rituals at Kanda Myojin Shrine in Tokyo (photo by Kim Mance)

Unassuming entry from the street to Kanda Myojin Shrine in Tokyo (photo by Kim Mance)

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