9 Must-Visit Temples and Shrines in Tokyo

San’en-zan Zōjō-ji is an important temple to Jōdo Buddhists. During the Tokugawa Shogunate, it was the burial site of six former shoguns, and today you can find those graves in the Taitoku-in Mausoleum or the cemetery out back, with two designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. Parents also come here to choose a statue in the garden to decorate in order to say goodbye and ease their child’s transition to the afterlife. While businesses and surrounding enterprises have reclaimed much of the temple’s original property, it still retains much of its former glory and is worth a visit when in Tokyo.

Perhaps the most well known temple in all of Tokyo, the Meiji Shrine is surrounded by park lands in the west-central portion of the city. The Meiji Shrine is dedicated to the Emperor Meiji and his wife, and houses fascinating memorabilia relating to the couple. It’s construction was started in 1915, after approval from the Japanese government, and a large-scale public building effort ensued. Later, the spot was totally destroyed in World War II, only to be reconstructed in 1958. To date, the spot has also hosted countless VIPs and heads of state from across the globe. Recommended by Laura Walkley.

Located in the historic Asakusa neighbourhood, directly beside the famous Asakusa Shrine, Sensō-ji is the oldest and most visited temple in the city with visitors coming from both Japan and abroad. The path to the temple is lined with stalls, small shops and vendors selling traditional wares and snacks and is an area popular among tourists looking to dress up in kimono. The grounds of the Buddhist temple are also home to Chingo-dō, the Tanuki Temple. Tanukis are Japanese raccoon dogs thought to bring good luck and protect homes and businesses from fire and theft. You can access the Tanuki Temple via a separate entrance on Dembō-in-dōri.

The Imperial Shrine of Yasukuni honours the souls of those who lost their lives in war while fighting for Japan. Unfortunately, the shrine-war memorial has become a source of controversy, especially among neighbouring Asian countries, since many of those enshrined and honoured here are listed as Class-A war criminals. For instance, Justin Bieber was forced to apologise to Chinese fans after posting a picture of himself visiting the controversial memorial. Despite this, Yasukuni Shrine plays host to multiple religious and festival occasions throughout the year, including an annual spring festival and Mitama Festival, where visitors come to pray to their lost relatives and friends.

The iconic red Kanda Shrine, also known as Kanda Myojin, has played an important role in Tokyo Shinto worship since the Edo Period. The shrine is situated in downtown Chiyoda-ku, and the kami (spirits) enshrined here include two of the Seven Gods of Fortune, making this an ideal place to pray for wealth and success in business. Interestingly, due to its proximity to Akihabara, Kanda Shrine has also become popular with the tech crowd, who purchase charms to ward off damages to their electronics.

Nestled among the lush greenery and landscaped water features of Inokashira Park lies the Benzaiten Shrine, a small red Shinto shrine devoted to the goddess of the same name who is the deity of everything that flows, including knowledge, water and music. Benzaiten, adapted from the Hindu goddess known as Saraswati, is recognised in both the Buddhist and Shinto faiths. The Inokashira also plays host to the famous Ghibli Museum that showcases Japanese animation.

In 1912, General Nogi Maresuke and his wife Shizuko committed ritual suicide in this spot after learning about the death of Emperor Meiji. The two are now enshrined here, and the general is worshipped for his honour and nobility. Having been designed in the 20th century and rebuilt after World War II, Nogi Shrine reminds us that not all shrines and not all kami must be centuries old in order to be worthy of worship.

Set within a huge cemetery lined with cherry trees, the beautiful location of this temple alone makes it well worth a visit. At over 800 years old, the beautifully landscaped surroundings here complement the marvelous Tennoji Temple itself, and make it a very tranquil place amidst sprawling, bustling Tokyo. Also of note is the looming statue of the Buddha; cast in bronze, oversized and melding perfectly with the serenity of the environs. Recommended by Laura Walkley.

The Toshogu Shrine is found in Tokyo’s Ueno Park and has been there since the 1600s. It’s an ornate number, decorated with shimmering gold, which is where its nickname “Shrine of Gold” comes from. It has remained mostly intact since it was first built and is a fantastic example of Shinto architecture from the Edo period. People come from all over to pray at this shrine, particularly those looking for good fortune, help passing exams, longevity and recovery from illnesses.