Best Shrines in Tokyo: Top 12 Japanese Shrines for First-Time Visitors (2026)

Tokyo may be famous for its neon skyline, but hidden throughout the city are dozens of ancient Shinto shrines offering peaceful escapes and cultural insights. This guide covers the top 12 shrines every first-time visitor should experience.

1. Meiji Shrine (明治神宮) - Harajuku

Tokyo's most famous shrine sits within a 170-acre man-made forest. Dedicated to Emperor Meiji, it's essential for understanding Japan's Shinto heritage. Don't miss the massive wooden torii gate and sake barrel displays.

Read our complete Meiji Shrine Guide →

Atago Shrine (愛宕神社) - Minato

Famous for its "Stone Steps of Success" (Shusse no Ishidan). Legend says a samurai rode his horse up these steep stairs to deliver plum blossoms to the Shogun. Today, salarymen climb them to pray for promotion.

2. Nezu Shrine (根津神社) - Bunkyo

One of Tokyo's oldest shrines (1,900+ years), Nezu Shrine features a stunning tunnel of miniature torii gates and a hillside garden with 3,000 azalea bushes that bloom spectacularly in April-May.

3. Kanda Myojin (神田明神) - Akihabara

This 1,300-year-old shrine has embraced modern Tokyo, offering IT safety amulets and anime-themed ema tablets. A must-visit for tech workers and otaku culture fans alike.

4. Yasukuni Shrine (靖国神社) - Chiyoda

Controversial yet significant, Yasukuni enshrines Japan's war dead. The grounds feature Tokyo's "official" cherry blossom tree used to announce spring, plus an extensive war museum.

5. Hie Shrine (日枝神社) - Akasaka

This hillside shrine in the political heart of Tokyo features monkey guardian statues (instead of the usual komainu dogs) and an escalator to the top—perfect for hot summer days!

6. Yushima Tenmangu (湯島天満宮) - Ueno

Dedicated to the god of learning, this shrine is packed with students before exams. Visit in February for stunning plum blossom displays.

7. Tokyo Daijingu (東京大神宮) - Iidabashi

Known as "Tokyo's Ise Shrine," this is THE shrine for love luck. Popular with young women seeking romantic blessings and famous for beautiful love amulets.

8. Nogi Shrine (乃木神社) - Nogizaka

A peaceful shrine near Roppongi, dedicated to General Nogi. Also popular with fans of Nogizaka46 idol group. Includes the general's preserved residence.

9. Hikawa Shrine (氷川神社) - Akasaka

Dating back over 1,000 years, this shrine offers a rare pocket of greenery in central Tokyo. Famous for its autumn ginkgo trees and monthly art markets.

10. Togo Shrine (東郷神社) - Harajuku

While tourists crowd Meiji Shrine, this hidden shrine in Harajuku stays blissfully quiet. Dedicated to Admiral Togo, it's popular for sports and exam success prayers. Visit the famous Sunday antique market.

11. Tomioka Hachiman Shrine (富岡八幡宮) - Fukagawa

Known as the birthplace of Sumo wrestling. You can see the huge stone monuments with the names of all Yokozuna (grand champions) carved into them. The summer festival involves throwing water on portable shrines and is wildly energetic.

12. Suitengu (水天宮) - Nihonbashi

This shrine is dedicated to safe childbirth. Expectant mothers and families with newborns flock here. Interestingly, the main building is built on top of a modern earthquake-proof structure, showing how Shinto adapts to the times.

Shrine Visiting Tips for Tokyo

"Tokyo's shrines offer the perfect counterpoint to its modern energy. Take time to find these pockets of peace."