Tokyo Shrines: 25 Famous Shrines to Visit for Good Fortune

Shrines and Temples in Japan

The main hall of Kameido Tenjin Shrine. Photo by Pixta
In Japan, shrines are places of worship for the indigenous Shinto faith and are often visited by people to pray for good fortune and blessings in the present life. Temples, on the other hand, are visited for Buddhist practices concerning the afterlife. For more details on the differences between shrines and temples, check this page.

Both shrines and temples are often exquisite examples of Japanese architecture. Many structures boast a rich history directly connected to Japan's past, and they are worth visiting just for their historical significance. On the other hand, knowing what kind of blessings are attributed to a shrine might help you understand better the place it has in the life of the community you're visiting and in Japanese culture.

We introduce 25 shrines in Tokyo along with their type and features.

25 Famous Tokyo Shrines

Shrines for Good Luck, Business, and Academic Success
1. Kanda Shrine
2. Anamori Inari Shrine
3. Kameido Katori Shrine
4. Atago Shrine
5. Yoyogi Hachimangu Shrine
6. Koami Shrine
7. Yushima Tenjin Shrine
8. Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine

Shrines for Love, Romance, and Family Life
9. Imado Shrine
10. Akasaka Hikawa Shrine
11. Shiba Daijingu Shrine
12. Izumo Oyashiro Tokyo Bunshi Shrine
13. Tokyo Daijingu Shrine
14. Hie Shrine
15. Meiji Jingu Shrine
16. Suitengu Shrine

Shrines with Famous Flower Festivals
17. Kameido Tenjin Shrine
18. Nezu Shrine
19. Yasukuni Shrine

Shrines for Animal Lovers
20. Ichigaya Kamegaoka Hachimangu Shrine

Shrines with Unique Amulets and Goshuin Stamps
21. Hatonomori Hachiman Shrine
22. Kisho Shrine
23. Asakusa Shrine
24. Asagaya Shinmeigu Shrine
25. Onoterusaki Shrine

Shrines for Good Luck, Business, and Academic Success

1. Kanda Shrine

Photo by Pixta

Known as the guardian shrine of Edo (present-day Tokyo), Kanda Shrine has a history spanning one thousand years. It is revered as a shrine that grants wishes for prosperity in business and is a popular destination for business owners and companies.

It is also known for the Kanda Matsuri (Kanda Festival), held annually in May and called the "festival of the land." Due to its proximity to the anime hub Akihabara, the shrine occasionally releases anime-themed ema (wooden votive plaques)!

Alongside blessings for businesses and ensuring prosperity, Kanda Shrine offers amulets that bless the smooth operation of computers and safeguard personal data due to its proximity to Akihabara.

Kanda Shrine
Address: 2-16-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda, Tokyo
Official Website: https://www.kandamyoujin.or.jp/ (Japanese)

2. Anamori Inari Shrine

Established in 1818, Anamori Inari Shrine was initially located near Haneda Airport. However, it was relocated approximately 2 kilometers from the airport.

It is popular among shrine-goers for good fortune, victory, and success. Due to its convenient access, it attracts many business people and travelers. It is also popular among the aviation industry for safety due to its proximity to the airport.

Anamori Inari Shrine
Address: 5-2-7 Haneda, Ota, Tokyo
Official Website: https://anamori.jp/ (Japanese)

3. Kameido Katori Shrine

Kameido Katori Shrine is often visited by those who wish to pray for victory in sports and competitions, attracting many athletes who visit and leave their signatures.

This shrine provides "victory amulets" and "victory bags" and is also famous for its beautiful goshuin (shrine stamps).

Kameido Katori Shrine
Address: 3-57-22 Kameido, Koto, Tokyo
Official Website: https://www.kameido-katori.com/

4. Atago Shrine

Tucked between office buildings near Toranomon Hills, Atago Shrine has been known as the "shrine of victory" since the Edo period.

Behind the torii gate, there are 86 long steps. Legend has it that during the Edo period, the third shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu, challenged a retainer from the Marugame domain to bring back blossoming plum blossoms from Mount Atago. This act led to the retainer's fame. The steps are known as "Shusse no Ishidan" ("Staircase to Promotion") due to this story.

Atago Shrine
Address: 1-5-3 Atago, Minato, Tokyo
Official Website: https://www.atago-jinja.com/ (Japanese)

5. Yoyogi Hachimangu Shrine

Dedicated to Hachiman, the deity of military victories, Yoyogi Hachimangu Shrine is believed to bring success and favorability, making it a popular shrine for actors and entertainers.

It is even rumored that moving near Yoyogi Hachimangu Shrine will bring great success. As a result, many entertainers reside in the vicinity. The shrine provides unique amulets for matchmaking and votive plaques for finding a marriage partner.

Yoyogi Hachimangu Shrine
Address: 5-1-1 Yoyogi, Shibuya, Tokyo
Official Website: http://www.yoyogihachimangu.or.jp/ (Japanese)

6. Koami Shrine

Hidden amid the buildings of Nihonbashi, Koami Shrine is the only remaining wooden shrine in the Nihonbashi area, having survived the Great Kanto Earthquake and Tokyo air raids.

It is said that during WWII, soldiers who visited Koami Shrine for blessings with their good luck amulets all returned safely. Therefore, it's considered to be a shrine that wards off disasters and brings good luck. Additionally, the shrine has a well where washing money is believed to bring financial luck!

Koami Shrine
Address: 16-23 Nihonbashi-Koamicho, Chuo ward, Tokyo
Official Website: https://www.koamijinja.or.jp/ (Japanese)

7. Yushima Tenjin Shrine

Yushima Tenjin Shrine enshrines the guardian deity of learning, Sugawara no Michizane. It is located near the first choice of many Japanese students, the University of Tokyo, and is Tokyo's most prestigious shrine for academic achievement and success on entrance examinations.

Yushima Tenjin Shrine
Address: 3-30-1 Yushima, Bunkyo, Tokyo
Official Website: https://www.yushimatenjin.or.jp/pc/index.htm (Japanese)

8. Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine

Photo by Pixta

Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine is located in the eastern part of Tokyo in the Fukugawa district, known for its traditional shopping streets full of local vibe.

Besides being the largest shrine dedicated to the deity Hachiman in Tokyo, Tomioka Hachimangu is famous for being the birthplace of professional sumo; the first competitions were held here in 1684 under the patronage of the Tokugawa shogunate. You can find several statues of rikishi (sumo wrestlers) in the shrine's precincts.

Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine
Address: 1-20-3 Tomioka, Koto, Tokyo
Website: http://www.tomiokahachimangu.or.jp/

Shrines for Love, Romance, and Family Life

9. Imado Shrine

Located in Asakusa, Imado Shrine is dedicated to the first married couple of Japan, the deities Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto. This is why it's a renowned place to pray for good relationships and marital harmony. In recent years, it has attracted many visitors due to the Japanese TV series "Love That Makes You Cry."

Cats can be found everywhere on the grounds of the shrine. These felines are not only on the ema votive plaques but also on the amulets!

Imado Shrine
Address: 1-5-22 Imado, Taito, Tokyo
Official Website: https://imadojinja1063.crayonsite.net/ (Japanese)

10. Akasaka Hikawa Shrine

Akasaka Hikawa Shrine is dedicated to three deities that play central roles in Japanese mythology: Susanoo-no-mikoto and his wife Kushiinadahime, along with Okuninushi, often referred to as the deity of matchmaking.

Because of this, the shrine has been considered effective for forming connections. Each month, the shrine even holds a matchmaking ceremony.

Akasaka Hikawa Shrine offers various exquisite and delicate amulets, such as the Teapot Bell (Yakan Suzu) believed to "bring happiness and spread joy." It implies that happiness first comes from one's own efforts. Then it is shared with others, serving as a reminder of self-encouragement and bringing positive energy.

When combined with the Flower Bell (Hanafuku) amulet, it enhances the effect of creating good relationships—be it marriage partners or personal connections. Additionally, the shrine offers Gingko amulets inspired by the ginkgo tree that has been standing in the shrine's precincts for over 400 years.

It is said that the tree has been silently guarding the shrine and nearby residents. Carrying a gingko amulet is like having the great gingko silently protect you.

Akasaka Hikawa Shrine
Address: 6-10-12 Akasaka, Minato, Tokyo
Official Website: https://www.akasakahikawa.or.jp/ (Japanese)

11. Shiba Daijingu Shrine

Shiba Daijingu Shrine primarily enshrines the goddess Amaterasu Omikami, as well as Toyouke no Okami. Known as the "Ise Shrine of Eastern Japan," it is believed to be effective for forging connections.

In addition to general matchmaking amulets, the shrine offers "marriage hunting" amulets for those searching for a life-long partner.

Shiba Daijingu Shrine
Address: 1-12-7 Shibadaimon, Minato, Tokyo
Official Website: https://www.shibadaijingu.com/ (Japanese)

12. Izumo Taisha Tokyo Bunshi Shrine

The lively Roppongi district is hime to a small shrine called Izumo Taisha Tokyo Bunshi.

Izumo Taisha in Shimane Prefecture is a famous shrine that protects romantic relationships. Izumo Taisha Tokyo Bunshi is the Tokyo branch established during the Meiji period (1868-1912) for the convenience of believers. If paying a visit to Izumo Taisha in Shimane is difficult, visiting this shrine in Tokyo is equally effective!

Izumo Taisha Tokyo Bunshi Shrine
Address: 7-18-5 Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo
Official Website: http://www.izumotaisya-tokyobunshi.com/ (Japanese)

13. Tokyo Daijingu Shrine

Tokyo Daijingu Shrine is dedicated to deities responsible for the romantic ties between people. It's also the birthplace of Shinto weddings and is believed to be particularly effective in seeking romance and a strong relationship.

Tokyo Daijingu Shrine offers many types of amulets related to love relationships, each exquisitely cute. Among them, the Suzuran Amulet and Suzuran Bead Amulet are very special; they are designed based on the flower language of suzuran (Lily of the Valleys), which means "happiness will come.

The Suzuran Bead Amulet includes beads, resembling a delicate suzuran flower, exuding an elegant charm.

Tokyo Daijingu Shrine
Address: 2-4-1, Fujimi, Chiyoda, Tokyo
Official Website: www.tokyodaijingu.or.jp/english/

14. Hie Shrine

Hie Shrine, located near Akasaka, is famous for its main deity, which is represented as a divine ape. The Japanese pronunciation of the word is reminiscent of the word "fate," which is why many people come to pray for a good relationship.

Additionally, there is a statue of a mother monkey holding her baby, so it's also famous for praying for a safe delivery.

Hie Shrine
Address: 2-10-5 Nagatacho, Chiyoda, Tokyo
Official Website: https://www.hiejinja.net/ (Japanese)

15. Meiji Jingu Shrine

Meiji Jingu Shrine, located near Harajuku, is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. It is also regarded as a shrine for good luck.

Meiji Jingu Shrine
Address: 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo
Official Website: https://www.meijijingu.or.jp/en/

16. Suitengu Shrine

Suitengu Shrine is Tokyo's most renowned shrine for safe childbirth and fertility. The location in Tokyo is a branch of the Suitengu Shrine in Kurume City, Fukuoka. Although the shrine does not sell individual amulets for safe childbirth, it offers amulets for fertility.

The amulets for safe childbirth are tied to a belly band and are not sold individually. The photo above shows one of the amulets, which is said to bring safe childbirth for shrine-goers and also bless the healthy upbringing of children. The dog inside a bamboo basket is a pun referring to the kanji character for "smile," wishing for the happiness of children.

Additionally, the pronunciation of the bamboo basket is the same as the "kago" in the word "kago" (divine protection), adding another layer of blessing.

Suitengu Shrine
Address: 2-4-1 Nihonbashi-Kakigaracho, Chuo, Tokyo
Official Website: https://www.suitengu.or.jp/ (Japanese)

Shrines with Famous Flower Festivals

17. Kameido Tenjin Shrine

Photo by Pixta

Located in the Kameido area of Tokyo's Koto ward, Kameido Tenjin Shrine's precincts are modeled after the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine in Fukuoka. It features corridors, ponds, and an arched bridge, and is often described as a mini version of the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, which enshrines the same deity: Sugawara Michizane, the guardian deity of learning.

Photo by Pixta

Kameido Tenjin Shrine is particularly famous for its beautiful garden of wisteria flowers, which attract many visitors in late April - early May when the wisterias are in bloom. In autumn, the shrine holds a chrysanthemum festival, and in February it hosts a plum blossom festival. These events have earned it a reputation as a "flower shrine."

Kameido Tenjin Shrine
Address: 3-6-1 Kameido, Koto, Tokyo
Official Website: http://kameidotenjin.or.jp/ (Japanese)

18. Nezu Shrine

Photo by Pixta

Nezu Shrine, located near the Ueno and Yanaka districts, is a beautiful shrine with a rich history and a distinct, nostalgic atmosphere. This shrine is said to have been founded around 1,900 years ago in the first century by the legendary Prince Yamato Takeru.

Every year in April, Nezu Shrine hosts the Bunkyo Tsutsuji Matsuri, or Azalea Festival, which is a large-scale, popular flower festival. There are around 3,000 azalea plants of a hundred different varieties in bloom inside the shrine's expansive grounds.

Nezu Shrine
Address: 1-28-9 Nezu, Bunkyo, Tokyo
Website: https://nedujinja.or.jp/ (Japanese)

19. Yasukuni Shrine

Photo by Pixta

Yasukuni Shrine, one of Tokyo's prominent shrines, is dedicated to the souls of those who died on battlefields throughout history.

There are about 600 cherry trees of the Somei Yoshino variety on the shrine grounds making it a popular destination for cherry blossom viewing in spring.

Photo by Pixta

Yasukuni Shrine is particularly famous for being home to the Somei Yoshino specimen tree that the Japan Meteorological Agency uses to determine the official day when the cherry trees bloomed for the first time in that year in Tokyo. This cherry blossom tree designated as a specimen was established here in 1966.

Chidorigafuchi Park, one of Tokyo's most beautiful cherry blossom spots, is located close to Yasukuni Shrine and people visit them at the same time during the peak blossom season.

Yasukuni Shrine
Address: 3-1-1 Kudankita, Chiyoda, Tokyo
Website: https://www.yasukuni.or.jp/english/

Shrines for Animal Lovers

20. Ichigaya Kamegaoka Hachimangu Shrine

Located in the heart of Tokyo, Ichigaya Kamegaoka Hachimangu Shrine was erected in the 15th century by Ota Dokan to serve as the guardian of Edo Castle's western side. The shrine allows pets to visit and even offers prayers for the health of pets.

In November, the shrine also hosts a Shichi-Go-San (rite of passage of children at ages 3, 5, and 7) ceremony for pets!

Ichigaya Kamegaoka Hachimangu Shrine
Address: 15 Ichigaya Hachimancho, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Official Website: https://www.ichigayahachiman.or.jp/ (Japanese)

Shrines with Unique Amulets and Goshuin Stamps

21. Hatonomori Hachiman Shrine

Located in Tokyo's Sendagaya district, Hatonomori Hachiman Shrine is famous for its wisteria mound inside the precincts. The omikuji (fortune-telling papers) with pigeon designs are very popular with visitors!

Additionally, the shrine also offers delicate flower-shaped amulets, as well as jade-like amulets, suitable for hanging on phones or bags.

Hatonomori Hachiman Shrine
Address: 1-1-24 Sendagaya, Shibuya, Tokyo
Official Website: Hatonomori Hachiman Shrine

22. Kisho Shrine

The most popular amulet at Kisho Shrine, also referred to as the Weather Shrine, is the one on the left side of the photo. It is called the Sunny Day Amulet!

The author of this article bought one to carry around. During 10 days of traveling, she recounted how there was only one day of rain and one cloudy day. In other words, one must not underestimate the power of this Sunny Day Amulet!

In addition to this amulet for fine weather, there is also one shaped like a fair-weather child. The amulet not only is for fair weather but also for sweeping away the dark clouds in one's life.

Kisho Shrine
Address: 4-44-19 Koenji-Minami, Suginami, Tokyo
Official Website: https://koenji-hikawa.com/kisho_jinja/index_en.html

23. Asakusa Shrine

Located right next to the main hall of Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine is enshrines the three founders of Tokyo's most famous temple.

This shrine offers a rare type of amulet crafted to pray for the bonds between people and hearts. Created using the traditional Japanese craft of mizuhiki (the Japanese art of knot-tying), the amulet features a different design for each month.

For April, the design shows cherry blossoms while for July it's lotus flowers. For November, we have red maple leaves. Sold at 9:00 on the first day of the month, this amulet is limited to one per person since only 100 are available each month.

Asakusa Shrine
Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito, Tokyo
Official Website: https://www.asakusajinja.jp/english/

24. Asagaya Shinmeigu Shrine

The bracelet amulet called Kamimusubi from Asagaya Shrine went viral online. The Kamimusubi amulet is believed to be connected with deities and enhances luck.

Each style is independently created by the shrine and intricately woven with elegant colors. It can be used as a bracelet, mobile phone strap, or a charm for your bag, making it quite versatile. There are over 10 options available, including standard styles, seasonal editions, and festival-specific designs.

With all the finished products laid out in front of you, it could be a real challenge for someone who has difficulty making choices.

In addition to exquisite amulets, Asagaya Shinmeigu Shrine has been designing paper seal stamps. For instance, in early 2019, the shrine fused traditional Mino washi (Japanese paper) techniques with beautiful embroidery to create the Yamatogasan" seal stamp. Then in March, it formally released the cherry blossom edition of the embroidered seal stamp, creating a stir in the world of seal stamps.

Currently, new designs are sold each season!

Asagaya Shinmeigu Shrine
Address: 1-25-5 Asagaya-kita, Suginami, Tokyo
Official Website: https://shinmeiguu.com/ (Japanese)

25. Onoterusaki Shrine

Onoterusaki Shrine, associated with the arts and learning, offers double-layered goshuin (seal stamps) during specific festivals.

Sometimes, shrine-goers are offered a magnificent four-page spread! The goshuin stamp in the photo commemorates the Daijosai ritual associated with the succession of a new emperor and the start of a new era.

Onoterusaki Shrine
Address: 2-13-14 Shitaya, Taito, Tokyo
Official Website: https://onoteru.or.jp/ (Japanese)

Explore Tokyo's Shrines

Given the extensive selection of Tokyo shrines introduced above, we hope you pay a visit to one of these locations to appreciate the local culture they embody.