Top 5 unmissable Shinto shrines in Tokyo 東京で見るべき5つの神社

Shinto: the shrines to see in Tokyo

Japanese shrines are places of worship for Shintoism, the original religion of Japan. During a trip to Japan, they are undoubtably among the most beautiful discoveries you'll make. Here are what we think are five of the most beautiful Shinto shrines in the Japanese capital.

Nezu-Jinja

You will find Nezu-Jinja in the north of the capital, in the Yanesen district. Very calm and peaceful, it's famous for its tunnel of small torii as well as its hill of azaleas. This is why we recommend that you visit between April and May, during Tsutsuji Matsuri - a festival held there - to enjoy the colors of the 3,000 azaleas in the park.

Nezu-Jinja was built more than 2,000 years ago, but was moved in 1705 by shogun Tsunayoshi to its present location.

Address: 1-28-9 Nezu, Bunkyo, 113-0031 Tokyo

nezu

Bâtiment principal du Nezu-Jina

Wikimedia Commons

Nezu

Torii du sanctuaire

Wikimedia Commons

Tosho-gu Shrine

Tosho-gu shrine is located in Ueno Park. This beautiful, colorful and gilded building has stood the test of time against war and natural disasters since it was built in 1627. It was dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa shogunate from the Edo period.

The site of the shrine consists of a pathway lined with majestic bronze lanterns, the main hall with traditional black and gold colors, and a magnificent five-story red pagoda.

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

Sanctuaire Toshogu à Ueno

Sanctuaire Toshogu à Ueno

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Kanda Myojin

Kanda Myojin is an important place for Tokyo locals, and has been since the Edo period (1603-1868). It's nestled in the heart of modern buildings not far from Akihabara, creating an astonishing contrast. It was founded in the 6th century and repeatedly destroyed by earthquakes and rebuilt, most recently in 1934. Kanda Myojin houses the Daikoku and Ebisu kami, deities of fishing and trade. The neighborhood's IT and otaku communities have also embraced the shrine - you'll find anime-decorated ema and special IT omamori (to protect your computer from viruses!) available there. The shrine is also known as the starting point of Kanda Matsuri.

Address: 2-16-2, Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, 101-0021 Tokyo

Kanda-Myojin

Le Kanda-Myojin

Flickr Yoshikazu TAKADA

Atago-Jinja

This small and peaceful shrine, located not far from Tokyo Tower and Roppongi, is found at the top of Atago Hill, 26 meters high. It was founded in 1603 and is dedicated to the kami of fire, Homusubi no Mikoto. Rarely crowded, it's a real oasis of greenery that is especially nice in summer: pond, boats, wisteria and many koi carp welcome you - once you conquer the 86 steps to the top of the hill...

Address: 1-5-3 Atago, Minato-ku, 105-0002 Tokyo

Attention au vertige!

Attention au vertige dans les escaliers du sanctuaire Atago-jinja (Tokyo)

Wikimédia

Etang de l'Atago-jinja

Etang de l'Atago-jinja à Tokyo

S.V.

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