Must See Shrines and Temples of Tokyo

Apr 25, 2022

Must See Shrines and Temples of Tokyo

Many of Japan’s most famous shrines and temples are in the old capital of Kyoto. While not as historic as the city it replaced as the nation’s political, social, and economic base, Tokyo still has plenty of beautiful and important shrines and temples – hundreds even. Below is a selection of our top recommendations. Whether you are a short-term visitor or a long-term resident, these are important sites that you shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to see at least once.

Meiji Shrine

Completed in 1920, Meiji Shrine is easily one of the most famous shrines in the city. Built to commemorate his role in the restoration that also bears his name that modernized the nation, this was once the resting place of Emperor Meiji (1852-1912) and his wife, Empress Shōken (1849-1914).

The shrine is located next to Yoyogi Park, and it is renowned for both the 12m (40ft) torii gates (pictured) and the inner garden, which is thought to have been designed by the Emperor Meiji himself for the pleasure of the Empress. As a bonus, the proximity to Harajuku’s fashion district means you can visit this shrine in the morning and spend the rest of the day exploring one of Tokyo’s most famous neighborhoods. 

Where: 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya

Sensoji Temple

Said to be founded in 628, Sensoji may be the oldest temple in Tokyo. Steeped in the feeling of the Old Tokyo area of Asakusa, it is a striking temple with a five-story pagoda and bright red gates. The Asakusa Kannon deity is enshrined there, and around 30 million people visit every year. It is also home to the Sanja Matsuri festivities in May. Come early to avoid the throngs of tourists and bring extra money for the many souvenirs sold on the road to the temple. 

Where: 2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito

Yasukuni Shrine

Yasukuni Shrine makes this list, not because of its beauty – although it is astounding and possesses one of the largest torii gates in the country – but due to the interest surrounding its somewhat controversial nature. Established in 1869 by the Emperor Meiji, it is a shrine that commemorates and houses the spirits, or ‘kami’ of Japan’s war dead, giving it a political significance similar to that of the Cenotaph in London or the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The controversy centers on 1,068 combatants convicted of war crimes enshrined among the more than 2.5 million ‘kami.’ 

Where: 3 Chome-1-1 Kudankita, Chiyoda

Tennoji Temple

Constructed in 1274, Tennoji temple is one of the last remaining refuges for the Tendai sect of Buddhism. The temple is set on picturesque lawns, and perhaps most among the city’s places of worship, Tennoji best displays the aesthetic ideal of Buddhism. At the edge of the temple sits the Tennoji Daibutsu. This giant statue of Buddha survived when fighting destroyed most of the rest of the temple during the civil war of 1868.

Where: 7-14-8 Yanaka, Taito, Tokyo

Nezu Shrine

Nezu Shrine was originally built about 1900 years ago in Sendagi, then later moved to Nezu with construction thought to have been completed in 1706. It is an excellent example of Edo Period shrine architecture. Nezu is nestled among the 6,600sqm Tsutsuji-en Park grounds, featuring carp ponds and pathways that are tunnels of small shrine arches similar to Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. It is one of the most underrated major shrines in Tokyo. Spring is the best season to visit to see the roughly 3,000 azalea plants bloom.

Where: 1-28-9 Nezu, Bunkyo

Sengakuji Temple

Like Yasukuni Shrine, Sengakuji Temple makes this list by its cultural importance, rather than its beauty. The temple itself is small and somewhat unremarkable. Some might even call it dreary, but it is famous for being the cemetery of the 47 ronin. These leaderless samurai from Ako avenged the death of their master and were subsequently forced to commit seppuku (ritual suicide) for their actions. These 47 ronin, held up as the epitome of the samurai bushido code of honor, have been popularized in Japanese culture throughout the centuries in various dramatic reenactments through every visual medium you can imagine. The popularity also can be found in the West thanks to the 47 Ronin movie starring Keanu Reeves.

Where: 2-11-1 Takanawa, Minato-ku

Differences between Shrines and Temples

In much the same way as a church is not the same as a synagogue, shrines and temples are not interchangeable terms for the same thing.  Shrines (‘jinja’ 神社)  are places of worship for Japanese Shintoism, whereas a temple (‘otera’ お寺) is for Buddhism. There is plenty online detailing the differences between these two religious buildings and the practices involved in entry, but I will leave the more in-depth explanation for another day. 

 

ja:利用者:Stanislaus, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons