The Shrines Must Visit in Tokyo
11/24/2016
Visiting Shrines in Japan is need to be on the list, when you are traveling in Japan. Shrines and Temples are renowned as one of the most important part in traditional Japanese culture. When we talk about Shrines in Tokyo, many people may probably think of Meiji Shrine. In fact, there are a lot of unique shrines in Tokyo. Today, I am going to introduce the manner at shrine and 4 shrines must visit in Tokyo.
For foreigners (including me!), it is quite hard to distinguish between shrines and temples. There is a Torii Gate at the shrine entrance. For temple, there is a gate named “Sanmon” at the entrance. Entering the Torii Gate means you will enter holy place for enshrined God. To show your respect, you should bow before you enter the Torii Gate and walk on the side instead of walking on the center of Torii Gate and Approach.
Pray
- Informal Worship
- Manner
Please note that you should not take the photos of some specified facilities.
- Chozuya
When you enter the shrine, you should go to Chozuya to wash your hands .and body.
Step:
- Use the dipper to wash your left hand
- Wash your right hand
- Pour water into your left hand
- Wash your mouth. Please be kindly reminded that do not touch the dipper directly to your mouth
- Wash your left hand
- Wash the dipper and put it back
- Worship
- Line up
- Put some coins (1 to 500 yen) into the offertory box.
- Ring the bell upside you to attract the attention of god
- Bow twice (about 90 degrees)
- Crap your hands twice
- Bow once again (about 90 degrees)
- Formal Worship
The process of formal worship is quite difficult. Prayers should follow the instruction of a priest. Visitors can ask the priest for more details.
4 Must-visit Shrine
- Tokyo Daijingu
Tokyo Daijingu is renowned as the most powerful shrine for the matter of love in Japan. Shinto Wedding (wedding ceremony) is also available in Tokyo Daijingu. One of the most attractive point in Tokyo Daijingu is they offer over 40 types of charms. Many young women in Japan will go to Tokyo Daijingu to pray for a new love. Tourists who wish for a good love/marriage should visit Tokyo Daijingu.
Address: 〒102-0071 2-4-1, Fujimi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Access: Iidabashi Station
JR Chuo Line, Sobu Line, Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line, Nanboku Line, Tozai Line, Toei Oedo Line
- Atago Shrine
There is a shrine for the matter of business named Atago Shrine, located on Mt. Atago. The shrine is famous for its stairs named “Otoko-zaka”. Japanese also call it “Stairway of Success” which means visitors will get success in their business if they can climb up the stairs non-stop. For female visitors, there is “Onna-zaka” which is less steps. Atago Shrine also has the fantastic view of Tokyo city. Visitors can enjoy the view and pray for their business in this shrine.
Working Hours: 09:00 to 17:00
Address: 1-5-3 Atago, Minato, Tokyo
Access: A 5-min walk from Kamiyachō Station on Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line
A 8-min walk from Toranomon Station on Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
A 8-min walk from Onarimon Station on Toei Mita Line
A 20-min walk from Shinbashi Station on JR Line
- Yushima Tenmangu
Yushima Tenmangu is one of the most powerful shrine for the matter of academic. Many Japanese students visit this shrine to pray for a good exam result. Yushima Tenmangu is also famous for plum trees. It is highly recommended to visit here in February to March to view the plum blossom and to participate in different events.
Working Hours: 06:00 to 20:00
Address: 3-30-1 Yushima, Bunkyo, Tokyo
Access: A 2-min walk from Exit No.3 of Yushima Station on Chiyoda Line
A 5-min walk from Exit A4 of Ueno Okachimachi Station on Toei Oedo Line
A 5-min walk from Exit A4 of Ueno Hirokoji Station on Ginza Line
A 8-min walk from Okachimachi Station on JR Line
A 9-min walk from Hongo-sanchome Station on Marunouchi Line
- Todoroki Ravine Park
Todoroki Ravine Park is a secret green garden in bustling Tokyo. People can escape from busy city life when they walk around in this park. Todoroki Fudo is a shrine for the matter of wealth. Visitor can go to this shrine when they visit Todoroki Ravine Park.
Working hours: 11:00 to 16:00
Address: 1-22-47 Todoroki, Setagaya, Tokyo
Access: A 3-min walk from Todoroki Station on Tokyo Oimachi Line
