The word “Akihabara” originated in this shrine and was founded to protect against fire. However, until 1888, the shrine was a lot larger, before the enshrined god was relocated in order to facilitate construction of the present day station. Nowadays the shrine proper can be found near Iriya Station (Metro Hibiya Line), and each November – 6th – plays host to the “Hiwatari” religious ceremony in which the pious walk barefoot over burning coals in order to continue with its role in protecting the Japanese capital from fire. 

 

Kodama  from Japan Hopper 2008/07/25