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Temples & shrines — Tokyo

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Tokyo's spiritual side comes alive at its temples and shrines, each with its own character and history. Start at the iconic Asakusa Shrine in the bustling old town, then venture to atmospheric spots like Nezu Shrine with its charming vermillion gates, or Sengaku-ji, famous for its samurai tale. Whether you're seeking peaceful moments or cultural depth, these sacred spaces offer a genuine escape from the city's energy.

1Zojo-ji ★ 4.54 Chome-7-35 Shibakoen, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0011

Buddhist temple complex dating to 1622. The main temple of Jōdo-shū Buddhism, this compound includes ornate buildings dating to the 1600s.

2Asakusa Shrine ★ 4.52 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032

Revered Shinto shrine dating from 1649. Prominent 1649 Shinto shrine set in a temple complex & hosting the Sanja Matsuri festival in May.

3Toyokawa Inari Betsuin ★ 4.51 Chome-4-7 Motoakasaka, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0051

Buddhist temple dedicated to a fox god. Lantern-filled temple complex with shrines & statues, including hundreds of Shinto fox deities.

4Kanda Myoujin Shrine ★ 4.42 Chome-16-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021

Enduring shrine with red & gold decor. Venerable Shinto shrine moved to its current locale in 1616, with vibrant vermilion & gold coloring.

5Tokyo Daijingu ★ 4.42 Chome-4-1 Fujimi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 102-0071

Busy Shinto shrine associated with love. Bustling, 19th-century Shinto shrine said to bring romantic good fortune to worshippers.

6Nezu Shrine ★ 4.41 Chome-28-9 Nezu, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-0031

Shrine with torii-lined pathways. Tranquil Shinto shrine known for its tunnel-like series of torii gates & spring azalea blooms.

7Atago Jinja ★ 4.41 Chome-5-3 Atago, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0002

Hilltop shrine to protection from fire. Storied shrine with many stairs, made to protect the city from fire & other natural disasters.

8Gokokuji ★ 4.45 Chome-40-1 Otsuka, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-0012

Buddhist temple in a serene setting. Small Buddhist temple with 17th century origins featuring a garden, cemetery & tranquil atmosphere.

9Tsukiji Hongwan-ji Temple ★ 4.33 Chome-15-1 Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-8435

Buddhist temple dating to 17th century. Spacious 17th-century Buddhist temple with unique architecture & pipe-organ performances.

10Sengaku-ji ★ 4.32 Chome-11-1 Takanawa, Minato City, Tokyo 108-0074

Temple & site of the 47 Rōnin's graves. Buddhist temple & pilgrimage site featuring the graves of the legendary 47 Rōnin samurai.

11Koyasan Tokyo Betsuin ★ 4.33 Chome-15-18 Takanawa, 港区 Minato City, Tokyo 108-007412Kameido Tenjin Shrine ★ 4.23 Chome-6-1 Kameido, Koto City, Tokyo 136-0071

Shinto shrine with many wisteria vines. Traditional shinto shrine known for its spring-blooming wisteria hanging over a tranquil pond.

13Shiba Daijingū ★ 4.21 Chome-12-7 Shibadaimon, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0012

Centuries-old shrine & woodblock prints. Restored Shinto site founded in 1005, with woodblock art & a renowned yearly festival.

14Jōrenji Temple ★ 4.25 Chome-28-3 Akatsuka, Itabashi City, Tokyo 175-009215Tomioka Hachiman Shrine ★ 4.01 Chome-20-3 Tomioka, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0047

Large Shinto shrine with a flea market. This sizable Shinto shrine features an occasional flea market selling traditional Japanese goods.

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