Our 10 Favorite Shrines and Temples in Tokyo

When you think of temples in Japan, you probably think of Kyoto – after all, it does have some jaw-dropping gold ones, ‘silver’ ones, and even one with hundreds of bright red torii gates – but that doesn’t mean you won’t find some beautiful or interesting shrines and temples in Tokyo too. Like these…

There are over 4000 Tokyo shrines and temples. Some are hidden up backstreets and consist just of a small altar; some have main halls, pagodas, and ponds and tick all the important boxes.

You might not want to visit them all on your trip, but you’ll probably want to see at least one—even if you’re not normally a big temple tourist. I’m not, but I’ve visited every shrine and temple on this list – and a few others besides – but the ones that made this list are all the ones that held my interest for some reason.

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Some are pretty; some are highly spiritual, and some are quirky and will give you pictures for the gram. But they’re all fascinating in their own way.

1. The Cute One: Gotoku-ji

This Buddhist temple is also known as the Temple of the Waving Cats, as its most famous feature is an area of the shrine filled with thousands of white-waving cat statues.

The story goes that in the olden days of Japan, a cat helped lead a feudal lord to shelter in the temple before a thunderstorm by beckoning his paw at him and his traveling party – grateful for the help, the lord then bestowed gifts, and his patronage, on the temple which allowed it to thrive.

Since then, cats have been the emblem of the temple. And, the small cemetery at the back of the temple is where the lord and his family are now buried.

The temple itself is quite simple, so the cats are definitely the star attraction. The area they’re in, though, is quite small, so I suggest you visit early in the morning in Tokyo before the crowds arrive. It opens at 6 a.m.

Also, don’t miss the prayer plaques (or ema) that you’ll find hanging in the grounds, these also have a cat theme and the prayers on them aren’t just for human members of the temple.

You’ll also find cat carvings on the small pagoda on the site.

If you want to leave your own waving cat – aka a maneki neko – among the throng you can buy them at the small shop in the temple grounds. This opens a little later than the rest of the temple so don’t get there too early if this is something you want to do.

How to Get To Gotoku-ji

Take the Odakyu line from Shinjuku to Gotokuji station, and it’s a short walk from there. On the way, look out for some of the other cat-themed shops.

Other Things to Do Near Gotoku-ji

A trip to Gotokuji is easily combined with a trip to the Studio Ghibli-themed Shiro-Higes Cream Puff Factory where you can buy edible versions of Ghibli’s adorable creation Totoro – and the nearby trendy vintage area of Shimokitazawa.

The temple is open from 6am to 6pm (5pm in winter).

2. The Pretty One: Nezu Shrine

I first heard about this shrine in Tokyo when I read one of Jonelle Patrick’s mystery books set in Tokyo.

One of the scenes was set here and I was immediately hooked on the idea of seeing a temple full of scarlet torii gates – that didn’t require me to go all the way to Kyoto to see Fushimi Inari!

The Shinto shrine was built in the 17th century, and while the tunnel of torii gates isn’t as big as that of Fushimi Inari, it’s also nowhere near as crowded!

If you’re here from mid- to late April, this is also one of the best shrines in Tokyo for flower lovers. The temple has a beautiful Azalea garden, and at peak flowering time, over 3000 plants, including some very unusual varieties like black azaleas, are in bloom.

Nezu Shrine itself is free to visit, but if you visit the gardens during the Azalea festival, you will have to pay a small fee.

How to Get to the Nezu Shrine

One of the closest stations to is Nezu on the Chiyoda line.

It’s also a short walk from Todaimae Station home to one of the less well-known Tokyo sites linked to the famously loyal dog Hachiko. The university here is where Hachiko’s owner worked and a statue in the grounds shows what would have happened if they met again.

Other Things to Do Near Nezu Shrine

Nezu is part of an area of Tokyo called Yanasen, which is one of the older areas of Tokyo and is a great place to wander around if you want to visit some small shops.

The main street of Yanaka Ginza is a good place to start. You might notice that, like the streets leading to Gotoku-ji, Yanaka Ginza also has a cat theme, as there are many resident moggies in the nearby cemetery.

3. The Must-See: Senso-Ji

This temple in the Asakusa district of Tokyo as it’s possibly the most famous temple in Tokyo, if not one of the most famous temples in Japan. It’s also the oldest temple in Tokyo.

The main sights include the entry gate with its giant red lantern, the parade of shops that lead up to the temple (don’t miss the mochi shop, Kikuya, visited by actor Eugene Levy on his tour of Tokyo), the Pagoda and the main hall.

When you arrive at the hall, you’ll notice many people crowding around a smoky incense burner. You’ll see this at a number of temples in Japan and it’s believed that the smoke has healing properties.

For this reason, people often try to direct the smoke towards bits of their body that need some help. Others, though, just waft it over their heads, as this is thought to help them become clever!

Because Senso ji is so popular, it can be hard to escape the crowds here, and there’s an argument that you shouldn’t as you’ll miss out on some of the temple experience. But, if you want to visit when it’s less crowded, the temple grounds are open 24-7 – and look very pretty at night. You will miss out on the shops and the main hall though as these are only open during ‘normal’ hours.

How to Get to Senso-ji

The nearest station is Asakusa on the Ginza and Asakusa lines. The temple is close to exit 1.

Other Things to Do Near Senso-ji

There’s lots to do in Asakusa so you can easily spend at least half a day exploring around here. The Tanuki Shrine (see further down) is around the corner, and you are close to the Kappabashi ‘kitchen street’ which is famous for supplying Tokyo’s restaurants with everything they need – including those amazing plastic food replicas.

The area is also close to Tokyo Skytree if you’re planning a trip up Tokyo’s highest building.

If you are, booking your tickets in advance is a good idea to beat the queues. We walked in and were in the lift in minutes when the queue was 30-40 deep. Find them here.

4. The Hypnotic One: Fukagawa Fudo Do

With a large modern building over to one side and a screen full of flashing LED lights, this isn’t be the most photogenic of your temples to visit in Tokyo, but it is one of the most fascinating.

The reason is that up to six times a day, the priests at Fukagawa Fudo Do conduct what’s known as the Goma Fire Ritual, which is one of the most hypnotic things I’ve ever seen in Japan.

Carried out to recharge the power of the god Fudomyo it involves rhythmic drumming, chanting – and yes, fire!

No photos can be taken inside the temple so I can’t show you the ritual, but it’s an unforgettable addition to your itinerary.

The temple is also home to a room containing thousands of crystal statues of the god Fudomyo and a mini version of the Shikoku Henro – a pilgrimage involving 88 temples around Japan – that you can carry out in just one room.

How to Get to Fukagawa Fudo Do

Fukagawa Fudo Do, in eastern Tokyo, isn’t in an area on the typical tourist track but it is very near the Monzen-nakacho Station on the Oedo and Tozai lines.

Things to Do Nearby

It’s easy to combine a visit to Fukagawa Fudo Do with a trip to the museums, or sumo sights, in the nearby area of Ryogoku.

Maybe start with an early morning tour to a Sumo Stable – and then head to the temple for one of the fire ritual shows mid-morning.

It’s also on the same side of the city as the Tsukiji outer market, so it could also be combined with that if you’re based in west Tokyo and don’t have many days exploring the eastern part of the city,

5. Where to Spot Weddings: Meiji Shrine

Another one of the most popular shrines in Tokyo, the Meiji Shrine lies on wooded grounds close to the busy shopping area of Harajuku.

Originally built in the 1900s, it was destroyed during the Second World War and so, the buildings you see today are relatively modern.

The shrine building is not as visually impressive as some of the others on this list, but it is a wonderful peaceful escape from the city around it.

Meiji is one of the most popular Tokyo shrines for people taking part in New Year’s Day prayers (see more about this in our guide on when to visit Tokyo).

If you’re here at that time, depending on what you’d prefer to experience, you might want to completely avoid it on New Year’s Day or come to see a truly unique moment on your trip.

At other times highlights of visiting Meiji Shrine include the chance to spot a Japanese wedding. It’s a highly sought-after venue for couples tying the knot.

Also, don’t miss the must-see photo spot of the stacks of sake barrels close to the entry.

Sake breweries donate these barrels as gifts to the gods. The sake is used in various ceremonies, and once empty, the barrels are left there as an offering.

How to Get to Meiji Shrine

The closest station to Meiji Shrine is Harajuku on the Yamanote Line. It’s about a ten-minute walk through the wooded paths to the shrine.

Other Things to Do Near Meiji Shrine

A visit to the Meiji shrine is easily combined with a trip to Harajuku and all the fun food trends and shops you’ll find here – like the giant candy floss, rainbow-coloured foods, and the adorable Anakuma Cafe where you get served not by a human, but by a very shy bear.

It is also not too far to walk here from Shibuya where you’ll find the famous crossing, the original statue of Hachiko, and lots of shops and restaurants.

If you’re visiting the shrine at the weekend, take a stroll in nearby Yoyogi Park, where you’ll find food stalls – and, on a Sunday, the famous rock n roll dancers that break out their best 50s moves.

6. The One With a Pony: Kanda Myojin

Kanda Myojin is located in the electronics center of Tokyo, Akihabara. Not surprisingly, it has a techno bent, and many people go there to bless their computer equipment and gadgets.

It’s also an important shrine for praying for healthy businesses and marriages.

You’ll also notice that the designs on some of the Ema here have an anime feel. That’s not just an homage to the area, but because the shrine has appeared in the anime series Love Life.

However, that wasn’t the most fascinating thing we spotted on our last visit there.

There was a shrine pony!

She (for they are a girl) was being led by a priest, and many people were touching her head as she walked past, so we weren’t sure if she was some kind of sacred pony, but apparently her job is actually to carry the gods of the temple around if they don’t feel like walking.

Keep an eye out for her. If she’s not walking about, she has a little pen on site. Her name is Akari.

How to Get to Kanda Myojin

The closest station is Ochanomizu on the Maranouchi Line. But it’s also easy to walk here from Akihabara.

Other Things to Do Near Kanda Myojin

Kanda Myojin is at the edge of the fun Akihabara district. If you have any interest in manga, anime, collecting gachapon, or any aspect of Japan’s otaku culture, this is going to be one of your first stops.

7. The Sushi Shrine: Namiyoke Inari

This shrine stands at the edge of the Tsukiji outer market.

The name means ‘protection from waves,’ and apparently, it was erected here to thank the gods for stilling the waves that were interfering with the process of reclaiming the land to build the famous fish market that used to stand here.

Once the land was settled, the shrine was built.

It’s a common place for people to pray for safe travels.

You’ll notice a few interesting things here – starting with the two giant lion heads standing in the shrine. It’s believed that lions how the power to settle the tiger that controls the winds – and therefore the waves.

If you go on one of the tours through Tsukiji Outer Market they’ll tell you how to tell which of the heads is the lion and which is the lioness – I won’t spoil the fun for you in case you do take one of the tours.

Off to the side of the shrine, there is a small lineup of an egg-shaped sculpture and some other rocks with letters carved into them.

These are fish names and all these sculptures to say thank you to, and for, the various ingredients used in the sushi and other food goods the area is famous for.

If you’re a big temple fan, there’s another temple near Tsukiji that you might not want to miss. It’s very different in style to anything you’ll see anywhere else. Called Honganji, it’s influenced by Indian design and definitely needs to be seen.

Many of the Tsukiji market tours leave from here.

How to Get to Namiyoke Inari

Namiyoke Inari is located at the southwestern end of the Tsukiji Outer Market.

The nearest stations are Tsukijishijo on the Oedo Line or Tsukiji on the Hibaya Line.

What Else is Near Namiyoke Inari

Not surprisingly, you’ll probably want to combine a visit to Namiyoke Inari with a trip to the Tsukiji Outer Market.

This is one of my favorite things to do in Tokyo, but the last time I went, I was a bit late, and it was incredibly busy, so ensure you arrive as close to 9 am as possible.

Eat first, then head to Namiyoke Inari once the food stalls get too busy and queues get too big.

8. The Tanuki Shrine: Chingodo Shrine

This small shrine around the corner from Senso ji will appeal if you love Tanukis – as it’s all for them.

For those who don’t know what a tanuki is, there are two types: the real ones, which are like Japanese raccoons, and the spirit ones.

These tanukis you might recognize as the little fat-bellied, chubby-cheeked creatures in hats you often see outside Japanese restaurants in many different countries – and that you’ll commonly find all over Japan itself.

Well, that’s the Disney-fied version. In true Japanese folklore, Tanuki’s are actually mischievous little creatures with enormous, erm, testicles that have magic powers!

See, now you want to go to a shrine for them don’t you?

The legend behind this shrine is that back in the day, the tanukis lived in this area, and they were causing some trouble, making a lot of mess – but then the priest of the area dreamt that a tanuki told him that if they built a temple in honor of the tanuki, they’d protect the surrounding area from harm by fire.

And so they did. While much of Asakusa has fallen victim to damage by fire and earthquake, this little bit of the city is just as it was when the tanuki came to town.

Nowadays people come here to pray if they lose things and want to find them or to protect themselves from fire or theft.

How to Get to Chingodo

Come here before or after you go to Sensoji.

Chingodo is located on Dempoin Street in Askakusa, close to the junction with Orange Street. Look for Sensoji Chingodo on Google Maps.

Other Things to Do Near Chigodo

Located in the heart of Asakusa, you’ll find lots to do in this area.

However, if you love tanukis you’ll definitely want to check out nearby Tanuki Dori which is lined with tanuki statues.

9. The One With the Torii Gates: Hie Shrine

Nezu Shrine is not the only shrine in Tokyo that has an impressive row of torii gates.

Hie Shrine is in Akasaka (note, that’s not the same as Asakusa), and if you just walked past it from the street, you’d have no idea that behind its big black entry gate, it’s home to a staircase lined with bright red torii gates.

You’ll find it if you wind way around to the back of the shrine.

You’ll also notice a monkey theme to the shrine. These are the messengers of the god this shrine is dedicated to, Oyamakui-no-kami.

In Japan, monkeys help ensure happiness and health associated with marriage and pregnancy and you’ll find some very cute monkey amulets at the temple that could be the perfect gift for a friend who is getting married or expecting a baby.

This is also why this shrine is where people come to bless relationships and pregnancies.

How to Get to Hie Shrine

The nearest stations are Akasaka Mitsuki on the Ginza or Maranouchi lines, and Tameike Sanno on the Ginza or Namboku line.

Other Things to Do Near Hie Shrine

Akasaka is not an area talked about by too many Tokyo sightseeing guides (other than for somewhere to stay) but it is home to the Harry Potter Cafe and a nearby Harry Potter-themed staircase. The staircase is free and open to everyone, but if you want to visit the cafe you will need to make an advance reservation.

See more about how to do that in our post on the Tokyo attractions you need to book in advance.

And if you’re not shrined out, walk to the Toyokawa Inari – aka the Fox Shrine, where you’ll be greeted by hundreds of fox statues.

10. The Significant One: Zojo-ji

Zijo-ji is one of the major Tokyo temples for the Buddhist faith, and thousands of priests and novices have trained here.

It’s also the burial place of six Japanese Shoguns, making it very important in Japanese history.

Make sure you look up. The ceiling of the main hall is covered with paintings of 120 plants donated by artists for the temple.

The large bell outside is also one of the three bells of the Edo era and rings in the early morning and evening to help purify people of the 108 earthly passions that lead us astray.

If you don’t time your visit for when that happens, it’s also said that even just by passing through the main gate you are cleansed of fear, anger, and ignorance.

If you have an interest in religious history time your visit for when the Treasures Gallery is open as it contains a number of religious scrolls.

This is every day except Tuesday, from 10-4 pm.

If you walk toward the back of the shrine, you’ll see a small area with lots of statues wearing little red hats. Some may also have toys laid at their feet or be holding windmills. These are Jizo – and while it might look cute and adorable and Instagram-suitable, it’s actually quite a sombre place (see why below), so be respectful.

How to Get to Zojo-ji

The nearest stations are Onarimon Station, exit A1 or Shibakoen, exit A4, both on the Mita Line.

Other Things to Do Near Zojo-ji

The shrine is overlooked by the Tokyo Tower, making it perfect for combining with a visit here. That’s what I did on my last trip—I came to Zojo-ji first, then headed up the Tokyo Tower before it got too busy.

If you’re planning to spend a day in Odaiba, it’s also a short walk from the monorail station at Shimbashi.

So there you have it – our list of the 10 best temples and shrines in Tokyo. Which are you adding to your Tokyo plans?

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