8 Must-See Shinto Shrines in Tokyo
- Published on : 31/08/2026
- by : Phoebe
- Youtube
Meiji Jingu
@Rawpixel
Sometimes all it takes is pushing open a red gate to rediscover the rustling of the trees and the scent of incense. Scattered throughout the capital’s neighborhoods, Shinto shrines offer lovely respites amid the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. The Japan Experience team presents 8 must-see shrines you won’t want to miss in Tokyo!
Meiji-jingu: A Forest in the Heart of Tokyo
Just a short walk from the hustle and bustle of Harajuku, Meiji-jingu seems like a world apart. Its shaded paths wind through a 70-hectare forest, where birdsong and the rustling of leaves gradually replace the city’s clamor. It’s one of the most beautiful places in Tokyo to start the day, when the light is still soft and the paths are quiet.
Built in 1920 as a tribute to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, it is one of the most beloved shrines among the Japanese. We do not recommend visiting during the first few days of January, as crowds of visitors flock there to offer their first prayer of the year.
Please note that photography is now prohibited in certain areas of the sanctuary.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Address: 1-1 Yoyogi-Kamizonocho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Hours: from sunrise to sunset, depending on the season
Google Maps
Meiji Jingu
@George Goodman on Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Nezu-jinja: Under the Torii Tunnels
Hidden away in the narrow streets of Nezu is one of the capital’s most charming shrines. Surrounded by greenery and small ponds, Nezu-jinja has an almost rural atmosphere in the heart of Tokyo.
Founded in 1706 by Shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, Nezu-jinja is one of the few shrines in the city to have preserved its original buildings. Spared from major fires and bombings, it now offers a valuable glimpse into the Tokyo of yesteryear.
The path, lined with vermilion torii gates, leads to the Otome Inari Shrine. In the spring, the hills are covered with about a hundred varieties of azaleas. We recommend visiting early in the morning to admire them and avoid the crowds, as this is one of the season’s highlights!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Address: 1-28-9 Nezu, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Daily, 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Google Maps
Nezu Shrine
@t.kunikuni on Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0
Hie-jinja: The Monkey Shrine
This is one of our editorial team’s favorites! Nestled among the office buildings of Akasaka, Hie-jinja is an unexpected oasis. Its staircase lined with red torii gates makes you feel as if you’ve left the city behind for a few moments.
Founded in the 14th century and relocated several times throughout Tokyo’s history, the shrine is dedicated to the monkey deity Oyamakui-no-kami, who is associated with the city’s protection. Destroyed during World War II, the shrine was rebuilt in the 1950s.
In June, it hosts the Sanno Matsuri, one of Tokyo’s three major traditional festivals , famous for its procession and participants in period costumes. Aside from this time of year, the shrine is very peaceful and offers a pleasant respite in the heart of the city.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Address: 2-10-5 Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Daily, 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Google Maps
Hie Shrine
@meenaghd on Flickr, CC BY-NC 2.0
Kanda-myojin: Where Ancient Ruins Watch Over Akihabara
Between the narrow streets of Kanda and the electric world of Akihabara, Kanda-myojin bridges two sides of Tokyo. Founded nearly 1,300 years ago, the shrine’s history is intimately tied to the capital: it was moved to its current location in the early 17th century to protect Edo Castle. Destroyed and rebuilt several times, notably after the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, it has continued to play an important role in the spiritual life of the neighborhood.
Its colorful buildings, lanterns, and tall trees offer a pleasant respite before diving back into the hustle and bustle of the city. It is known for the Kanda Matsuri, one of Tokyo’s three major festivals, which brings the neighborhood to life every two years.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Address: 2-16-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Open 24 hours a day
Google Maps
Kanda Myojin
@bethom33 on Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0
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Tokyo Daijingu: The Shrine for Lovers
In Iidabashi, Tokyo Daijingu offers an intimate retreat. Nicknamed the “Ise of Tokyo, ” in reference to the famous Ise Shrine, it is dedicated to Amaterasu-Ōmikami, one of the most important deities in Shinto. Founded in 1880, it was the first shrine in the city to hold wedding ceremonies according to modern Shinto rituals.
That is why the shrine is still renowned today for bringing good luck in love. With its lanterns and splashes of color, Tokyo Daijingu invites visitors to slow down: people come here to observe the rituals of the worshippers and, for a few moments, savor the tranquility of everyday life in Tokyo.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Address: 2-4-1 Fujimi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Daily, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Google Maps
Tokyo Daijingu
@weichen_kh on Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Atago-jinja and the 86 Steps to Heaven
Are you a sports enthusiast at heart? We have just the shrine for you! To reach Atago-jinja, you’ll need to climb 86 stone steps, the famous “steps to success.” From the top of this small hill, the city suddenly seems much farther away.
Founded in 1603 to protect Tokyo from fires, the shrine retains a surprisingly rustic atmosphere despite its proximity to Tokyo Tower and the business districts. It’s one of our favorite views of the city - far less conventional than the ones in glossy magazines!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Address: 1-5-3 Atago, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Open 24 hours a day
Google Maps
Atago Shrine
@KNDY on Flickr, CC BY-NC 2.0
Asakusa-jinja: A Must-See in Asakusa
Just a stone's throw from the spectacular Senso-ji, Asakusa-jinja offers a more low-key atmosphere. After navigating Nakamise-dori and the crowds at the neighboring temple, you'll appreciate its quieter grounds.
The shrine honors the three men responsible for the construction of Senso-ji. Having survived the bombings of Tokyo, it is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Open 24 hours a day
Google Maps
Asakusa Shrine
@yamantraipo on Flickr, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Hanazono-jinja: Shinjuku’s Hidden Shrine
It’s the kind of place you stumble upon almost by chance, while taking a nighttime stroll as the neighborhood lights come on. Amid the neon lights of Shinjuku, Hanazono-jinja stands out with its traditional charm: its red gates and lanterns create a lovely contrast with the surrounding buildings.
Its history dates back to the Edo period, when the shrine was still located on the outskirts of the city. Dedicated to prosperity and business success, it’s frequented by local merchants and hosts a small flea market featuring vintage items every Sunday!
In November, Hanazono-jinja also hosts the Tori-no-Ichi, a popular festival where people come to buy kumade—large decorative rakes believed to bring good luck for the coming year.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Address: 5-17-3 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Open 24 hours a day
Hanazono Shrine (Shinjuku)
@Wikimedia, copyright-free
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