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Five of the most underrated holy places in Tokyo. A must visit for people who cannot get enough from traditional Shinto and Buddhist sites in Japan.

They may not be as frequented as their more famous counterparts, however, the next five spiritual places are pure gold. In this article we introduce you the hidden shrines and temples gems of Tokyo.

Nezu Shrine – 根津神社

Nezu Shrine is definitely a top spot to visit in Tokyo. Not only is Nezu Shrine one of the oldest shrines in Tokyo, it is one of the few shrines that extant from when it was built in 1706. Most of today’s Tokyo was recreated after World War 2, as a result of air raids.

It is highly recommended to visit Nezu Shrine during Spring, in order to fully enjoy the beauty of the azalea bushes in all shades of pink, or in Summer, to escape the heat under the luscious trees. What makes the shrine even more attractive is the red-torii gate path, which is very similar to the infamous Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto, yet still distinctive in its own way.
The colorful vermilion and green main building as well as the sophisticated sculptures are inspired by Toshogu Shrine in Nikko, which incorporates the so called Gongen –Style.

Information

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

Opening Hours:
Every day from 6AM - 4:30PM

Access:
5 min. walk from Sendaigi Sta. (Chiyoda Line)
5 min. walk from Nezu Sta. (Chiyoda Line)
10 min. walk from Todaimae Sta. (Namboku Line)

Google Maps

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

Nezu Shrine Official Website

http://www.nedujinja.or.jp/

Visiting a Japanese Shinto Shrine – Everything You Need to Know, Step by Step! - LIVE JAPAN

Ueno Toshogu Shrine - 上野東照宮

Having stood through major earthquakes as well as wars, the Toshogu Shrine in Ueno, is a symbol for Japanese resilience and strength. Ueno Toshogu Shrine was built in 1627 to dedicate Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, also known as Edo period.

The main gate of the shrine is covered in vibrant gold, making it extra shiny on sunny days. Whether it is the in detail decorated Sukibei Wall, the architectural style of the Edo period, or the sheer amount of ancient copper lanterns, Ueno Toshogu Shrine offers so much in its beautiful setting. Hence, it is no surprise that is has been designated as an important cultural property of Japan.
From New Year’s Day through mid-February as well as mid-April through mid-May visitors can admire the beautiful Peony Garden for 700yen per person.

Information

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

Opening Hours:
Every day from 9AM - 5:30PM from March to September, and from 9AM - 4:30PM from October to February.

Access:
7 min. walk from Ueno Sta. (JR Yamanote Line / JR Keihin-Tohoku Line / Ginza Line / Hibiya Line / Keisei Line)

Google Maps

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

Ueno Toshogu Shrine Official Website

https://www.uenotoshogu.com/

Yushima Shrine - 湯島天神

Another hidden gem near Ueno Park is Yushima Tenjin, the shrine of scholars.
Tenjin is the name of the spirit of a famous scholar called Michizane Sugawara, who enjoyed a reputation for outstanding learning, and hence became worshiped as the god of learning. Naturally, nowadays many students visit the shrine to pray for good grade or passing school and university entrance exam and inscribe the emas, wooden plagues, with their wishes.

Build entirely by Japanese cedar, it makes Yushima Tenjin stands out architecturally from other shrines. Furthermore, next to the temizuya, the Shinto water ablution pavilion for ceremonial purification, is a bronze cow statue (nade-ushi), a common feature of a Tenjin shrine. It is believed that by stroking the nade-ushi, it can cure physical illnesses.
If you want to experience beautiful plum blossom (ume), do not missed out to visit Yushima Tenjin from February until March, when they hold the Ume Matsuri Festival.

Information

Address:
3 Chome-30-1 Yushima, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-0034

Opening Hours:
Every day from 6AM - 8PM

Access:
2 min. walk from Yushima Sta. (Chiyoda Line)
5 min. walk from Ueno - Hirokoji Sta. (Ginza Line)
5 min. walk from Ueno - Okachimachi Sta. (Toei Oedo Line)
8 min. walk from Okachimachi Sta. (JR Yamanote Line / Keihin Tohoku Line)
10 min. walk from Hongo-Sanchome Sta. (Marunouchi Line)

Google Maps

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

Yushima Shrine Official Website

https://www.yushimatenjin.or.jp/

Sengakuji - 泉岳寺

One of the three principle temples of Edo (old Toyko), Sengakuji is a Buddhist temple near Shinagawa station, which attracts a large number of monks from all around Japan. The temple centers around the 47 “ronin”, the masterless samurai from Ako. The graveyard on the left side of temple contains the remains of the loyal ronins, and visitors come and pay tribute to them. The story of the 47 Ronin is a widely popular Kabuki play, featuring betrayal, revenge, and seppuku (ritual suicide).

The memorial museum in front of the graveyard holds important documents and belongings related to the samurai warriors, which gives visitors a better understanding of them.

The Real 47 Ronin Story: A Mini-documentary of Samurai Loyalty and Revenge

Information

Address:
Chome-11-1 Takanawa, Minato City, Tokyo 108-0074

Opening Hours:
Every day from 7AM - 6PM from April to September, and from 7AM - 5PM from October to March.

Access:
3 min. walk from Sengakuji Sta. (Toei Asakusa Line)
7 min. walk from Takanawa Gateway Sta. (JR Yamanote Line)

Google Maps

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Sengakuji

Sengakuji Official Website

http://www.sengakuji.or.jp/

Tomioka Hachimangu - 富岡八幡宮

Tomioka Hachimangu is only a few steps away from Tokyo’s old downtown area, Monzen-Nakacho, where visitors can get a feeling of how life was during the Edo Period (1603-1868). Established in 1627, it is the largest of the 40 Hachimangu shrines in Tokyo, a place worshipped by samurai warriors, and dedicated to the god of battle. Tomioka Hachimangu was also were the first sumo tournaments were held.

Every three years in mid-August, the Fukugawa Hachi Matsuri Festival takes place. A parade, including 120 portable shrines from each neighborhood are carried through the lively streets of Fukugawa district. The next Fukugawa Hachi Matsuri Festival is expected to be held in 2023.

Another specialty of the Tomioka Hachimangu shrine is the traffic safety ritual. Shinto has countless ceremonies, and even something as normal as buying a new car, can be blessed through a ritual by a priest in Japan.

Information

Address:
1 Chome-20-3 Tomioka, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0047

Opening Hours:
24H

Access:
3 min. walk from Monzennakacho Sta. (Tozai Line / Toei Oedo Line)
15 min. walk from Etchujima Sta. (JR Keiyo Line)

Google Maps

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Tomioka-Hachimangu

Tomioka Hachimangu Official Website

http://www.tomiokahachimangu.or.jp/

The good thing about visiting less frequent temples and shrines is that you can get the most out of the journey. By avoiding large crowds, taking the time to discover the place, and taking spectacular pictures without unintentional photobomb, you can fully enjoy the experience.

(By Stefan)

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