9 Best Shrines in Tokyo to Go on a Spiritual Journey

Best Shrines to Visit in Tokyo: The Religious Side of Japan's Capital 

You'll undoubtedly encounter a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity when exploring Tokyo.

And there are few better ways to experience Japan's traditional side than by visiting its shrines, which serve as places of worship and hold significant historical value.

Shrines are different from temples in Japan, however.

Shrines, called jinja in Japanese, are dedicated to various kami (deities) and natural spirits that are worshipped in Shinto, the country's indigenous religion.

These sacred places are characterised by their often red-coloured torii gates, stone paths, and simplicity.

In contrast, a temple, called tera in Japanese, is a Buddhist place of worship.

Now, let's explore the best shrines Tokyo has to offer.

Meiji Shrine

One of the most famous shrines in Tokyo, Meiji Shrine, nestled within a lush forest, is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji, the first emperor of modern Japan, and Empress Shoken.

It exudes a serene ambience that makes you forget you're in a bustling metropolis.

The shrine was rebuilt shortly after being destroyed during the Second World War.

Here you can see the massive wooden torii gate at the entrance and visit the beautiful iris garden.

Nearby attractions: Visit Harajuku, a trendy fashion district, and Yoyogi Park, a vast green space perfect for picnics and relaxation.

Address: 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-8557 (map)

Timings: Mon to Wed, Fri to Sun, 10 am to 4:30 pm. Closed on Thurs (except national holidays)

How to Reach: Get down at Harajuku Station. Walk 10 minutes.

Nezu Shrine

One of Japan’s oldest shrines, Nezu Jinja is a hidden gem that legends say was built 1900 years ago in Sendagi.

Today, it showcases a stunning vermilion torii tunnel made by many small shinto torii gates and a picturesque garden that bursts into vibrant colours during the azalea season in spring.

You must admire the stunning architecture, which still stands after its construction in 1706, and attend the Bunkyo Azalea Festival, which takes place in April every year.

Nearby attractions: Visit the Daimyo Clock Museum, which features wa-dokei, or traditional Japanese clocks.

Address: 1-28-9 Nezu Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo (map)

Timings: Open daily, 5 am to 6 pm

How to Reach: Get down at Nezu Station. Walk 5 minutes.

Yasukuni Shrine

Dedicated to the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for Japan in different wars since 1853, Yasukuni Shrine is one of the best shrines in Tokyo for one to understand the country’s rich history.

Here, the spirits of 2,466,000 people are deified, and treated as if they were alive, with rituals that include offering meals and saying words of appreciation to the dead.

You must also visit the Yushukan Museum, which exhibits wartime artefacts.

Nearby attractions: Visit Imperial Palace East Gardens and Chidorigafuchi, where you can enjoy a boat ride during cherry blossom season.

Address: 3 Chome-1-1 Kudankita, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 102-0073 (map)

Timings: Open daily, 6 am to 6 pm

How to Reach: Get down at Kudanshita Station. Walk 10 minutes.

Imado Shrine

You must have seen hundreds of figurines of the lucky cat everywhere.

It is at this popular shrine in Japan that the ‘maneki-neko’, or the beckoning cat, is said to have been birthed and is itself home to many cats.

This Shinto shrine in Asakusa is also known as a ‘matchmaking shrine’ where gods Izanagi and Izanami, the first married couple in Shinto mythology, are prayed to.

It is believed that praying to them helps people find suitable life partners.

Nearby attractions: Visit the popular Sensoji Temple, one of the most popular places in Japan, or escape the crowd at the quiet Honryuin Temple.

Address: 1 Chome-5-22 Imado, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0024 (map)

Timings: Open daily, 9 am to 4 pm

How to Reach: Get down at Asakusa Station. Walk 12 minutes.

Hakusan Shrine

‘Hakusan’ means white mountain, and the sacred Mount Hakusan inspires the name in Ishikawa Prefecture.

This shrine, dedicated to the Shinto deity Ōkuninushi-no-Mikoto, offers a peaceful oasis near the bustling government district of Nagatacho.

Every year in mid-June, the Ajisai Matsuri or the Hydrangea Festival, when the area abounds in hydrangea flowers, attracts hundreds of visitors to the shrine.

Nearby attractions: You can also visit the Bunkyo Civic Center Observation Deck, which offers panoramic views of Tokyo’s skyline from the 25th floor.

Address: 5 Chome-31-26 Hakusan, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-0001 (map)

Timings: Open 24 hours

How to Reach: Get down at Hakusan Station and take a 2-minute walk

Suitengu Shrine

Built in 1818, this famous shrine of Tokyo is revered for promoting safe childbirth and protecting children.

When you are here, you will see many expecting mothers and parents with newborn children offering prayers to the deities.

You can take pictures near the statue of a dog with its pups, but be mindful of people praying there.

Nearby attractions: Visit the Currency Museum of Japan, which tells you the history of the Japanese currency before heading to the iconic Nihonbashi Bridge, the centre point for five major roads in Japan.

Address: 2-4-1, Nihonbashi Kakigaracho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (map)

Timings: Open daily, 7 am to 6 pm

How to Reach: Get down at Suitengumae Station. Walk 1 minute.

Kameido Tenjin Shrine

Another of Tokyo’s famous shrines, Kameido is dedicated to 9th-century politician Sugawara-no-Michizane, considered the patron god of students.

Many students, often accompanied by parents, pray for good grades or admission to good universities.

Visit this beautiful shrine between April and May, where it hosts the Wisteria Festival.

The area surrounding the pond blooms with stunning violet flowers, which has inspired many artists in Japan.

Nearby attractions: Head to Tokyo Skytree, the building in the city that lets you see Mt Fuji on a clear day.

Address: 3 Chome-6-1 Kameido, Koto City, Tokyo 136-0071 (map)

Timings: Open daily, 6 am to 5 pm

How to Reach: Get down at Kameido Station. Walk 15 minutes.

Ueno Toshogu Shrine

Located within the sprawling Ueno Park, Ueno Shrine was initially founded in the city of Iga in Mie Prefecture before being moved to its current location in the park during the Edo period.

At this shrine, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, devotees seek blessings for agricultural prosperity, health, and overall well-being.

The architecture of this shrine is a valuable cultural property of the Edo period and, hence, is one of the most famous shrines in Tokyo.

Nearby attractions: As you venture through Ueno Park, you can visit the Tokyo National Museum, Japan's oldest museum.

Address: 9-88 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0007 (map)

Timings: Open daily, 9 am to 4:30 pm

How to Reach: Get down at Ueno Park Station. Walk 7 minutes.

Higashi Fushimi Inari Shrine

While inspired by Kyoto's famous Fushimi Inari Taisha, the Higashi Fushimi Inari Shrine in Tokyo has its own charm.

Established in 1929, the shrine was burnt down during the Great Tokyo Air Raid but was rebuilt using local funds in 1967.

The vibrant torii gates that wind through the shrine's grounds symbolise wishes and prayers for good fortune.

Address: 1-5-38 Higashi Fushimi, Nishi Tokyo, Tokyo (map)

Timings: Open daily, 6:30 am to 5 pm

How to Reach: Get down at Higashi Fushimi Station. Walk 10 minutes.

Travel Like a Pro: Tokyo Edition

Make the most of your trip to Tokyo with our recommendations:

Tokyo's Spiritual Heritage

As you venture through Tokyo's shrines, respect local customs and traditions.

Before entering the main shrine area, cleanse your hands and mouth at the temizuya (water pavilion).

Avoid wearing revealing clothing - opting for attire that covers your shoulders and knees is best.

Refrain from taking photos inside the main hall or during ceremonies.

And remember to bow before entering and leaving a shrine.

Ultimately, it's great to visit these shrines for a deeper understanding of Japan's spiritual and cultural heritage - and for an experience of spiritual serenity you will not forget.