銭形平次の碑 at Akihabara, Tokyo

A stone monument at Kanda Shrine honouring detective novelist Zenigata Heiji.

The Zenigata Heiji Monument stands within the grounds of Kanda Shrine in Sotokanda 2-chome, erected in December 1970 by writers and publishers to celebrate the iconic Edo-period detective created by Nomura Kodo in 1931. The hero lived near Kanda Myojin and was famous for felling villains by throwing a Kanei Tsuho coin, a move later echoed by Inspector Zenigata of Lupin III fame. A smaller companion stone marks his partner Hachigoro, resting beside the main monument.

The carved coin-shaped stone and its inscriptions make it a quiet pilgrimage spot for fans of classic Japanese period drama and a curious aside for anyone exploring the shrine. It sits behind the main hall and is free to visit during shrine opening hours, suiting history buffs and pop-culture travellers alike.

Drop a coin of your own and pay your respects to one of Japan's most beloved fictional detectives.