Nezu Shrine — Attraction in Tokyo

Nezu Shrine (根津神社) is a hidden gem in Tokyo, blending tranquility, history, and beauty. Nestled in the Bunkyo ward, this Shinto shrine is a peaceful retreat from the city’s bustling energy. Its serene atmosphere, traditional architecture, and seasonal beauty make it a must-visit spot for both tourists and locals.

The shrine is particularly famous for its stunning azalea garden, which bursts into color during late April and May, drawing visitors for the annual Bunkyo Azalea Festival. Another iconic feature is the tunnel of torii gates, reminiscent of Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine, offering a picturesque and meditative walk.

The shrine’s grounds are meticulously maintained, and its cultural significance is apparent in its preserved Edo-period architecture, including a main hall that is a registered Important Cultural Property. Nezu Shrine is not just a place for sightseeing but also an active spiritual site where visitors can participate in traditional rituals and experience Japan’s Shinto practices.

History of Nezu Shrine

Nezu Shrine’s history dates back over 1,900 years, making it one of Tokyo’s oldest shrines. Legend has it that the shrine was established by Prince Yamato Takeru during the 1st century. The current structure, however, was constructed in 1706 by the 5th Tokugawa shogun, Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, to celebrate the nomination of Tokugawa Ienobu as his successor.

The shrine’s architecture reflects the Gongen-zukuri style, characterized by an interconnected worship hall, offering hall, and main sanctuary. Unlike many Tokyo landmarks, Nezu Shrine survived the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and the bombings of World War II, making it a rare, authentic relic of pre-modern Japan.

Nezu Shrine has also been a place of cultural and community gatherings for centuries. Its annual festivals, such as the Azalea Festival and traditional Shinto ceremonies, continue to connect modern visitors with Japan’s rich heritage.

Why Visit Nezu Shrine?

• Experience a historical Edo-period shrine. • Walk through the vibrant torii gate paths. • Enjoy seasonal beauty, especially the azalea blooms. • Escape the city’s hustle for a tranquil atmosphere.

Whether you’re interested in Japan’s history, spirituality, or natural beauty, Nezu Shrine offers a unique experience that is deeply rooted in Tokyo’s...

Unlike many of the reconstructed shrines around Tokyo, most of the buildings a Nezu Shrine date from the early 1700s as it survived both the Great Kantō Earthquake (1923) and the American firebombings at the end of World War II. The shrine is actually much older (legend says it’s about 1900 years old…but who knows), but it was moved to its current location in 1705 by the 5th Tokugawa Shōgun, Tokugawa Tsunayoshi (aka The Dog Shōgun). It’s located just north of The University of Tokyo (aka Tōdai) and a little northwest of Ueno Park. It’s a short walk from either the Nezu Station (Chiyoda Line) or the Tōdaimae Station (Namboku Line). If you are visiting Yanaka Ginza, it’s about a 15 minute walk south.

Nezu Shrine is dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the Shinto god of the sea and storms, and is one of the ten shrines (aka Tokyo Jissha) chosen by the Meiji Emperor to protect and bring prosperity to Tokyo. If you are coming from the south entrance, you will pass through the beautiful Romon Gate (built in 1706). For Japanese literature fans, once you pass through the gate, walk about 10m to the left, you will see a nondescript flat rock in front of a stone wall (no signage). This rock is known as the Writer’s Rock and it was where the famed authors Natsume Sōseki (Kokoro, Botchan, I am a Cat) and Mori Ōgai (The Dancing Girl, The Wild Geese) are said to have hunkered down to write some of their works…they are also characters in Bungō Stray Dogs if you are into anime.

Anyhoo, one of the more picturesque areas of Nezu Shrine is the rows of red torii gates. It’s picturesque and pleasant, but if anybody tells you it’s like the "Senbon Torii" at Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto…they are grossly exaggerating. These torii are actually part of a separate shrine called the Otome Inari Shrine located near the northern entrance - women come to this particular shrine to pray for a good marriage. Make sure to walk through the torii from north to south as the evil juju that is clinging on to you will supposedly be removed and your wishes will come true…unfortunately, I learned this only after walking through it in the opposite direction, so I think I am...

Torii鳥居are often seen in Oinarisanお稲荷様where people celebrate fox caves mainly because, I think, people love and protect Fox cave along with many birds cohabitants of fox cave and woods. Torii 鳥居are designed for giving test places for birds in showing people’s respect for birds as well where they respect fox and the whole nature and hill or woods. So, Torii 鳥居is symbol of peaceful cohabitation between animals normally deemed as enemies each other; Toriis are given and respected by many Japanese people because Torii is always representing peoples’ hope and belief of peaceful cohabitation and prosperity in wise choices and knowledge to give rest and peace of joyful healthy life of birds free from fear from brutality in the woods, near of cave of fox mountain. Torii gives everyone sense of serene because of the core wish of peaceful cohabitation and wise of enemies to avoid selfkill wars.

Nezu shrine was built/located at the hill of Tsutsuji (Rhododendron )and fox cave that had been used to be the 5th Shogun Tokugawa Tunayoshi’s brother Tsunashige’s holiday house. Tunayoshi loved the woods and animals in the nature in avoiding lure of invasion or reason of justification of invasion and war within or outside. Then his brother also loved this hill and built Nezu shrine to celebrate his son Ienobu 徳川家宣 and protect peace and love in cohabitation with the nature and unnecessary ungrounded meaningless power struggle only for political...