By ando 
Shirokane, a district in Tokyo’s Minato Ward, is known as the sophisticated neighborhood of the “Shiroganese.” Nestled within its tranquil residential streets lies Shirokane Hikawa Jinja, a Shinto shrine with a history spanning over 1300 years. This time, let’s uncover the lesser-known mysteries and legends of this ancient shrine, a place that allows you to forget the urban bustle.
Basic Information
Location: 2-1-7 Shirokane, Minato Ward, Tokyo
Enshrined Kami: Susanoo-no-mikoto, Yamato Takeru-no-mikoto, Kushinadahime-no-mikoto
Access: Approximately a 5-minute walk from Shirokane-Takanawa Station (Tokyo Metro Namboku Line / Toei Mita Line)
Minato Ward’s Oldest History and the Footprints of Yamato Takeru
Shirokane Hikawa Jinja is said to have been founded during the Hakuho period (672-686 AD), making it the oldest jinja in Minato Ward.
This area holds a legend connected to Yamato Takeru, a hero of Japanese mythology. It is said that during his eastern expedition, Yamato Takeru stood on this hill and performed yohai (worshipping from afar) to Omiya Hikawa Jinja, the Ichinomiya (chief shrine) of Musashi Province. The episode of him praying for victory here still speaks to the prestige of this jinja today.
The Mystery of the Place Name “Shirokane”: The Legend of the Shirokane Choja
Do you know the origin of the place name “Shirokane”? It actually has a deep connection to this jinja.
During the Muromachi period, there was a man named Yanagishita Kazusanosuke who developed this land. He was known as the “Shirokane Choja” (The Wealthy Man of Silver) because he possessed a large amount of silver (shirokane), and this legend says the place name came directly from him. Shirokane Hikawa Jinja, as the sochinju (guardian shrine) of the Shirokane village founded by this wealthy man, has long watched over the area’s prosperity.
An Edo Mystery: One of the “Edo Seven Hikawa”
During the Edo period, there were seven Hikawa jinja particularly revered by the Shogunate, collectively known as the “Edo Seven Hikawa.” Shirokane Hikawa Jinja is counted among them.
What’s intriguing is that three of these jinja within Minato Ward – Akasaka Hikawa Jinja, Azabu Hikawa Jinja, and Shirokane Hikawa Jinja – are aligned almost in a straight line on a map. Is this merely a coincidence, or was it an intentional “kekkai” (spiritual barrier) to protect the city of Edo? Tracing this line with an old map in hand is a captivating mystery for history enthusiasts.
A Unique Spot within the Grounds: Kenmu Jinja
To the left of the honden (main hall) is an auxiliary shrine called Kenmu Jinja. Here, 203 loyal retainers of the Southern Court (Yoshino Court), including Emperor Go-Daigo and Kusunoki Masashige, are enshrined as kami.
It is highly unusual for so many warriors of the Southern Court to be enshrined right in the heart of Tokyo. This is said to stem from the connection of the Yanagishita clan, who developed Shirokane, having served as kokushi (provincial governors) for the Southern Court. It’s a hidden spot that evokes the tumultuous waves of history.
Anime Pilgrimage Spot: Connection to “Sailor Moon”
When it comes to Hikawa jinja in Minato Ward, they are famous as holy sites for the globally popular anime “Sailor Moon.”
While the model for “Hikawa Jinja,” the family shrine of Sailor Mars (Hino Rei) in the series, is said to be Azabu Hikawa Jinja and Akasaka Hikawa Jinja, both also in Minato Ward, Shirokane Hikawa Jinja is also frequently included in fans’ pilgrimage routes as another “Hikawa-sama of Minato Ward.”
Shirokane Hikawa Jinja is particularly known for the cats, affectionately called “Platinum Cats,” that appear within its grounds. This creates a mysterious charm that somehow links to the world of Sailor Moon, where cats play important roles.
Modern Healing: “Platinum Cats” and Goshuin
Recently, the cats residing within the grounds have become beloved “Platinum Cats,” and cute goshuin (stamped shrine seals) and goshuincho (goshuin notebooks) featuring cat motifs are also gaining popularity.
Though located in the heart of the city, Shirokane Hikawa Jinja envelops you in a timeless tranquility the moment you step inside. Why not take a stroll through its grounds, where history and mystery intersect, while contemplating the legend of the Shirokane Choja?
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