Kotohira-gu Shinto Shrine in Toranomon, Tokyo, is a unique shrine as it stands with a high-rise building.

This shrine dates from 1660, when the Marugame domain in Kagawa Prefecture built the branch of Kotohira-gu head shrine in their Edo residence in Mita.   Kotohira-gu head shrine in Kagawa Prefecture is a prestigious shrine and very well-known across the country.

In accordance with the relocation of the Edo residence from Mita to Toranomon, the shrine also moved to Toranomon, present site, in 1679.  Toranomon area has developed as a major business district in line with adjacent Kasumigaseki area’s growth as the central government district in Japan after the end of feudal years.  Kotohira-gu built Toranomon-Kaikan Building next to its Honden main building in 1965 to make the most of its ample precincts. 

The demand for office buildings of the area was increasing at that time and is still on going.

The present 26-story office building, Toranomon Kotohira Tower, is the result of the complete reconstruction of the original building in 2004.  The visitors to the shrine pass through the main torii gate of the shrine and proceed through the pilotis built in the lower section of the building to reach the shrine’s worshipping hall. 

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