Tokyo’s temples and shrines, many of which date back thousands of years and offer a spiritual refuge together with stunning architecture and design, draw thousands of tourists to the city each year. Some of these temples have undergone multiple reconstructions and have survived war, earthquakes, tsunamis, and fires. Since their initial erection, others have maintained their height. In this city, there are shrines and temples on almost every corner.
List of temples in Tokyo
1. Sensoji Temple
The oldest and most popular temple in Tokyo is Sensoji Temple in the ancient district of Asakusa. It has distinctive architecture and is surrounded by shops and kiosks. The Tanuki Temple, whose raccoon-dog spirits are reputed to protect the nearby residences and businesses as well as provide luck, is located on the grounds of this Buddhist temple. Having been built in the year 628, this temple is renowned for its massive, imposing red gate and five-story pagoda building. You may experience the energy of old Tokyo in this place, which is constantly bustling with activities.
2. Meiji Jingu Shrine
One of Japan’s most popular Shinto shrines, Meiji Jingu Shrine features memorials offering the spirits of former emperors along with 170 acres of tranquil evergreen woodland. The temple was built in 1920 and honours the departed spirits of Empress Shoken and Emperor Meiji. It is essential to the local population’s public life. Over 3 million visitors attend a festival held here each New Year’s Day that draws them to the shrine for a prayer service. There are regular events, festivals, and rituals held here as well as weddings rather frequently. This shrine is well-liked for visitors who are interested in history or meditation. It is 10 minutes east of the city centre.
3. Tennoji Temple
The archetype of Buddhist tranquilly and the weight of time can be found at Tennoji Temple, which is situated in a beautiful setting between a woodland cemetery and a long row of cherry trees. This temple, which is almost 800 years old, has spectacular concrete constructions, sculptures, a huge entrance, and is surrounded by beautifully planted gardens, lawns, and trees. A massive bronze Buddha in prayer serves as the centrepiece. You may picture contrasting the peacefulness of it now with the chaos of a sizable giveaway given the intriguing historical twist that this location used to be the site of the biggest lottery in Tokyo.
4. Toshogu Shrine
A major religious and cultural landmark, Toshogu Shrine in Ueno Park was built in 1627 to house the remains of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the Tokugawa shogunate’s founder. This enormous, ornate temple has a rich gold decoration, earning it the moniker “Shrine of Gold.” It is surrounded by peonies and cherry blossoms, which make it stunning in the spring and bright in the fall when the leaves change colours. It is said to be a significant location for anyone looking for luck or academic success.
5. Fudoson Fukagawa
In the centre of east Tokyo, the FukagawaFudoson temple, or more precisely Narita-san Fukagawa Fudo-Do, has a rich history, stunning aesthetics, and deep traditions. The main worship hall was moved here in the 19th century and is now situated next to a new main hall designed in the cubist architectural style. Here, visitors may witness a variety of rituals, such as burning cedar sticks, drumming, and dancing, as well as opulent furnishings that honour Tokyo’s affluent class in the eighteenth century.
6. Nogi Shrine
After learning of Emperor Meiji’s passing, General NogiMaresuke and his wife Shizuko committed ritual suicide here in 1912. The general is enshrined for his honour and nobility in this shrine where the two are now preserved. Nogi Shrine serves as a reminder that not all shrines and kami need to be centuries old in order to be revered. It was built in the 20th century and restored after World War II.
7. Yasukuni Shrine
The Imperial Shrine of Yasukuni pays tribute to the souls of those who died while defending Japan in war. Since many of individuals honoured and enshrined here are listed as Class-A war criminals, the shrine-war monument has unfortunately been a subject of controversy, particularly among neighbouring Asian countries. For instance, after posting a photo of himself visiting the contentious memorial, Justin Bieber was obliged to apologise to his Chinese followers. Despite this, Yasukuni Shrine has numerous religious and festival events all year long, such as an annual spring celebration and the Mitama Festival, where visitors come to pray to their departed friends and family.