Nezu-Jinja (Nezu Shrine)
Perhaps you are familiar with Fushimi Inari in Kyoto? With it’s famous thousand Tori Gates path, it has become a favourite among locals and tourists alike..
But did you know that Tokyo also has a shrine with a Tori Gate path?
Maybe it’s not a thousand, but it’s still quite a sight to behold and considered by many to be Tokyo’s most beautiful Shinto shrine.
It is recommended to visit Nezu-Jinja in the spring to experience the Azalea garden in full bloom.
The legend claims that the shrine was originally founded in Sendagi (North of the current location) during the 1st century and later (1705) relocated to it’s current location in Nezu.
The chief deity of Nezu-Jinja is Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the Kami associated to seas and storms.
Features of Nezu-Jinja
Nezu-Jinja features a beautiful azalea garden (unfortunately not in bloom at the time of my visit), a koi pond with an arching bridge spanning over it, a stage for use in festivals, a traditional honden (main hall building), a two storied rōmon (gate building) guarded by two zuishin (Kami warriors depicted with bows and arrows)…
And of course, a multitude of vermilion red Tori Gates arranged in a path along the hillside with a viewing platform overlooking the koi pond and main hall, in the middle.
Perhaps not literally a thousand, but it certainly feels like it!
A Sense of Tranquility
Exploring Nezu-Jinja, it is impossible to not feel an overwhelming sense of peace and tranquility.
The architecture is stunning, the surrounding nature is beautiful and the very ground upon which everything sits has an indescribable quality of energy that leaves one feeling renewed and at peace.
One of Tokyo’s oldest spiritual sites and often exclaimed as the most beautiful shrine in Tokyo, I would wholeheartedly agree.
It’s not just beautiful in the superficial sense, but also in a spiritual and calming way.
Getting There
Not far from Nishi-Nippori station, it is possible to walk from the station to the shrine in 20-30 minutes, but there are also busses available if you would prefer.
Nishi-Nippori station is serviced by the JR East Yamanote Line and JR East Keihin-Tōhoku Line.
If you are travelling on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda line, then please disembark at Nezu station.
For more photos of Nezu-Jinja please visit my photography page, here.
Thank you for reading!
