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A list of holy places in Japan's capital Tokyo, not only rich in history and culture, but also ideal to get in touch with your spiritual side.

Besides their cultural and historical importance, shrines and temples are a great place to go inside yourself, forget about our stressful lives, and just meditate. The next four sites distinguish themselves for being extra tranquil and transmitting a feeling of inner peace.

Tennoji - 護国山天王寺

Surrounded by the Yanuka Cemetery, the Tennoji is one of the most quite and solemn temples in Tokyo. Perhaps due to the vast Yanuka Cemetery around it, once you enter the temple you are overwhelmed by its unique atmosphere, which cannot be explained. The cemetery originally belonged to Tennoji, however, was made public after the Meiji Restoration, as an attempt to separate the two religions, and push more for the national religion Shinto over Buddhism.

Founded in 1274, and a temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism, Tennoji is located near the busy Nippori Station. In comparison with other temples and shrines in Tokyo, the overall area is rather small. The large bronze image of Buddha and the ruins of the five-storied pagoda are definitely worth visiting on a sunny afternoon.

Information

Address:
7 Chome-14-8 Yanaka, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0001

Opening Hours:
Every day from 9AM - 5PM

Access:
2 min. walk from Nippori Sta. (JR Keihin Line / JR Yamanote Line / JR Joban Line / JR Ueno Tokyo Line / Nippori - Toneri Line / Keisei Main Line / Narita Sky Access Line)

Google Maps

https://www.google.com.br/maps/place/Tennoji

Tennoji Official Website

http://www.tendaitokyo.jp/jiinmei/tennoji/

Bishamonten Zenkokuji - 毘沙門天善國寺

Located in the heart of the trendy Kagurazaka, an area near Shinjuku, Bishamonten Zenkokuji embodies the philosophy of Japanese Buddhism. Bishamonten is a god from India that stands for the protection of the northern area. First built in 1595 around Nihonbashi, Bishamonten Zekokuji finally relocated to Kagurazaka in 1792 after a series of fires. Nowadays, local people flock to this temple, guarded by two statues of hissing tigers, to pray for success in business and career, luck, and overall good fortune.

Information

Address:
62-0825 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Kagurazaka, 5 Chome−３６

Opening Hours:
Every day from 7AM - 7PM

Access:
5 min. walk from Idabashi Sta. (JR Chuo Line / Yurakucho Line / Namboku Line)
6 min. walk from Kagurazaka Sta. (Tozai Line)
6 min. walk from Ushigome-Kagurazaka Sta. (Toei Oedo Line)

Google Maps

https://www.google.com.br/maps/place/Zenkokuji

Bishamonten Zenkokuji Official Website

tps://www.kagurazaka-bishamonten.com/

How Did Buddhism Take Hold in Japan? | History of Japan 26

Yushima Seido - 湯島聖堂

Only a five-minute walk away from Kanda Shrine lies the Yushima Seido. At first glance it may appear a bit gloom and empty, especially in comparison with other bright-colored shrines. Yushima Seido was indeed originally painted vermilion, yet repainted black after several fires. However, the simplicity of the inside and outside of the temple have a mesmerizing effect on the visitor, let alone its rich history. In fact, Yushima Seido is a Confucian temple for the Edo period, and symbolizes the impact of Chinese history and culture in Japan, from ancient times up until today. Built by Hayashi Razan, a neo Confucian scholar, in 1690, Yushima Seido was passed down hereditary by the Hayashi family until the Meiji Restoration in 1871.
Yushima Seido is definitely worth a visit for its tranquil and harmonious atmosphere, within a super busy district.

Information

Address:
1-4-25 Yushima, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-0034

Opening Hours:
Every day from 9:30AM - 5PM

Access:
2 min. walk from Ochanomizu Sta. (JR Chuo Line / Marunouchi Line)
2 min. walk from Shinochanomizu Sta. (Chiyoda Line)

Google Maps

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Yushima-Seido

Yushima Seido Official Website

http://www.seido.or.jp/

Hie Shrine - 日枝神社

Not far away from the National Diet Building and midst other skyscrapers, hidden under trees lies the splendid Hie Shrine. The name derives from the god of Mount Hie (Shiga prefecture). The spirit of Shinto is nature-oriented, and in ancient times rituals were first held in forest or mountains, as they were considered sacred places.

Hie Shrine was first built by a man during the Kamakura period (1185-1333), on grounds of the present Imperial Palace. Only in 1607 was Hie Shrine relocated, which allowed it to be worshiped by ordinary citizens.
Today it is a well-liked shrine for wedding ceremonies conducted according to Shinto rites. Furthermore, during the Jinko Festival held every two years, the chief priest and a representative of the Hie Shrine have the exclusive privilege of entering the Imperial Palace in order to pray for good fortune of the imperial family.

2018 Jinko-sai, Hei-jinja Shrine Sanno Festival

Information

Address:
2 Chome-10-5 Nagatachō, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0014

Opening Hours:
Every day from 6AM - 5PM

Access:
3 min. walk from Akasaka Sta. (Chiyoda Line)
3 min. walk from Tameike - Sanno Sta. (Namboku Line / Ginza Line)
5 min. walk from Kokkaikijidoumae Sta. (Chiyoda Line / Marunouchi Line)
8 min, walk from Akasakamitsuke Sta. (Ginza Line / Marunouchi Line)

Google Maps

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Hie-Shrine

Hie Shrine Official Website

https://www.hiejinja.net/

If you live in a busy city like Tokyo, at times it can be challenging to cope with the hectic and fast paced life style. Therefore, it is crucial to find the time and space to recharge your battery. The four temples and shrines in this article provide you with peace and silence you need midst the concrete jungle.

(By Stefan)

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