THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SHRINES IN TOKYO
The Most Beautiful Shrines In Tokyo
Shinto is Japan’s traditional religion. In Tokyo, which became the capital during the Meiji era, you can find countless shrines, the most famous being Meiji Jingū near Shibuya. Kyoto, the former capital, however, still stands out as the city where many of the country’s most celebrated shrines are found.
How can you tell the difference between a temple and a shrine?
Shrines (Jinja, 神社)
Shrines are part of Shinto, Japan’s native religion. Shinto has no founder and no sacred scriptures—it’s all about living in harmony with nature and keeping a pure heart. The deities, known as kami (神), are countless, ranging from mythical gods to spirits connected with natural elements.
You’ll easily spot a shrine by its iconic torii gate (鳥居), usually painted bright red, marking the boundary between the human world and the divine. Out of respect, Japanese visitors bow as they pass beneath it. Among shrines, you’ll find jinja (神社) in general, and jingū (神宮), which are dedicated to major deities or the imperial family. The most important shrine in Japan is Ise-jingū (伊勢神宮), dedicated to Amaterasu, the sun goddess.
Temples (O-tera, お寺)
Temples belong to Buddhism, which was introduced to Japan in the 6th century. Unlike shrines, temples often include cemeteries and beautiful pagodas—towering multi-storied structures that are some of the most iconic sights of Buddhist architecture. As shrines, there are also lots of beautiful temples in Tokyo.
Two religions in harmony
In Japan, the two religions complement each other:
- Shinto accompanies the happy moments of life, such as births, weddings, and coming-of-age ceremonies.
- Buddhism, on the other hand, is associated with mourning and funerals.
This is why a Japanese person can have a wedding at a Shinto shrine and a funeral at a Buddhist temple, without any sense of contradiction.
Rules to respect
When walking through a torii gate, try to stay on the left side out of respect.
At some shrines, you’ll need to take off your shoes at the entrance.
Keep your voice low
Photography inside is usually not allowed—unless signs say otherwise
Steps for praying at a shrine
- Once you reach the torii gate, place your hands at your sides and slightly bow your upper body as a sign of respect.
- As in Buddhist temples, it is customary to purify yourself before entering. Head to the purification basin (temizuya) and follow these steps:
Take the ladle with your right hand and wash your left hand.
Switch hands and wash your right hand.
With your right hand, pour a little water into your left hand and rinse your mouth lightly (do not drink directly from the ladle).
Finally, hold the ladle vertically to empty it, and return it to its place.
- Now you can enter the shrine. Before praying, make a small offering by placing a coin in the designated box.
Performing the prayer
- Toss your coin into the offering box.
- Bow twice
- Clap your hands twice
- Pray silently
- Bow once more
Meiji-jingu
Founded in 1920 in commemoration of Emperor Meiji (1852–1912) and Empress Shōken, this shrine is nestled in the heart of a vast sacred forest containing over 100,000 trees donated from across Japan. Located in the lively Shibuya district, the entrance is marked by a massive wooden torii, leading to a peaceful forest path that takes you to the main shrine. Although just steps away from bustling neighborhoods like Harajuku and Shinjuku, once inside, the urban noise disappears and you are instantly immersed in a serene, spiritual atmosphere. Destroyed during World War II, the shrine was rebuilt shortly afterward and remains one of Tokyo’s most iconic shrines today.
Major events:
New Year (Hatsumōde): Meiji Jingū is the most visited shrine in the capital during this period. Every year, millions of Japanese visit for their first prayer of the year.
Shinto Weddings: The shrine is very popular for traditional ceremonies, and especially on Sundays, you might see wedding processions in traditional attire crossing the main courtyard.
Spring Festival (late April – early May): Visitors can enjoy court music performances (gagaku) and traditional dances (bugaku).
Autumn Festival (late October – early November): The shrine hosts demonstrations of martial arts and ancient Japanese disciplines, including archery, horseback riding, and traditional martial arts.
Kanda-Myojin
Right in the heart of Akihabara, Kanda Myōjin is a shrine steeped in history, founded all the way back in 730. The site is made up of several smaller shrines and even houses two of the famous Seven Lucky Gods (Shichifukujin). Over the centuries, many notable figures have visited, including Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Edo shogunate.
The most important event is the Kanda Matsuri, one of Tokyo’s three biggest festivals, alongside the Sannō Matsuri at Hie-jinja and the Fukagawa Matsuri at Tomioka Hachiman-gū. Held every two years on odd-numbered years, the streets around Kanda fill with massive mikoshi (portable shrines) carried through the city.
Informations:
Localisation: Akihabara Station (7 mins)
Price: Free Entrance
Opening hours: depend on seasons
Yushima Tenjin
Founded in 458, this stunning wooden shrine is dedicated to a goddess of agriculture as well as Tenjin, the deity of learning and scholarship. It’s especially popular with students, many of whom come to pray for success and good luck before exams.
Located closely from Ueno Park, the shrine is also famous for its plum blossom garden. Every February, when the plums bloom, the site transforms into another world, with various colors and birds. You’ll also find a bronze bull statue, which is said to bring luck and good health to anyone who touches it.
Informations:
Localisation: Chiyoda Line / Yushima Station (3mins)
Price: Free Entrance
Opening Hours: 6h – 20h
Nezu Jinja
Built during the Edo period (1603–1868), Nezu-jinja is considered one of Tokyo’s most beautiful shrines. Located in the quiet Nezu district, just a short walk from the district of Yanaka, a stroll through these traditional streets is also well worth it.
The shrine’s architecture is reminiscent of the temples in Nikkō, with vibrant colors and intricate details that stand in contrast to the elegance of Meiji Jingū. Upon entering, after passing through the impressive torii gate, the inner courtyard, surrounded by uniquely designed walls, creates an intimate and serene atmosphere. Up close, visitors can admire numerous finely crafted golden sculptures. The shrine is also famous for its row of small vermilion torii, evoking the ambiance of Kyoto’s renowned Fushimi Inari-taisha.
In spring, Nezu-jinja boasts one of Tokyo’s largest azalea gardens during the Bunkyo Azalea Festival (Tsutsuji Matsuri), where over 3,000 azaleas in 100 different varieties bloom, attracting countless visitors.
Informations:
Localisation: Chiyoda Metro Line / Nezu station (6mins)
Price : Free Entrance
Opening hours: 6h – 17h (depend of seasons)
Yasukuni Jinja
Built in 1869 under the name Shōkonsha to honor soldiers who died for the nation, this shrine is one of the most controversial in Japan. Renamed Yasukuni Jinja in 1879, it now commemorates nearly 2.5 million souls, including both civilians and soldiers who died in combat. The controversy stems from the 1978 enshrinement of 14 convicted war criminals.
Despite this, the shrine remains a popular destination, especially for its many cherry trees that bloom beautifully within the grounds each spring. It is also home to the Yūshūkan Museum, dedicated to Japan’s military history. Every early July, visitors can experience the Mitama Matsuri, a four-day festival during which over 30,000 lanterns light up the shrine, creating a truly spectacular and unique atmosphere.
Informations:
Localisation: Shinjuku, Hanzomon and Tozai Metro Line / Kudanshita Station
Price : Free Entrance
Opening Hours: 6h – 18h (Winter season: 6h – 17h)
Hie Shrine
Located in the heart of Nagatachō, just a short walk from the Japanese Diet and the skyscrapers of Akasaka, Hie-jinja stands as one of Tokyo’s most important shrines. Dedicated to Ōyamakui-no-Kami, the deity protecting mountains and cities, it is regarded as the spiritual guardian of the capital. Founded during the Kamakura period (1185 – 1333), the shrine has been relocated and rebuilt several times, including after its destruction during World War II.
A true city landmark, Hie-jinja is famous for its striking row of vermilion torii, evoking the atmosphere of Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari-taisha. The shrine also hosts the Sannō Matsuri, held every two years in June (even-numbered years), one of Tokyo’s three largest festivals alongside Kanda Matsuri and Fukagawa Matsuri. Popular during the New Year for the first prayer of the year, it also draws visitors in spring and autumn, when its paths and gardens offer a serene atmosphere in the midst of Tokyo’s bustling heart.
Informations:
Localisation: Fukutoshin Metro Line – Zoshigaya Station (5mins)
Price: Free Entrance
Opening Hours: 6h00 – 16h (depends of seasons)
