Haneda, Tokyo: Discover the Top 3 Shrines—Handpicked by GTN Staff! Plus, Learn the Do's and Don'ts of Shrine Etiquette!

• Table of Contents
• 1. The Do's and Don'ts of Shrine Etiquette
• 2. Haneda Shrine
• 3. Anamori Inari Shrine, Haneda, Tokyo
• 4. Haneda Aviation Shrine

1. The Do's and Don'ts of Shrine Etiquette

While the specifics of worship can vary from shrine to shrine and even region to region, we're offering you a quick guide to the general customs and etiquette to follow.
In Japan, shrines are open to everyone, regardless of their religious beliefs.

Photo by Freepik

Dress Code for Shrine Visits

There are no particular rules about what to wear when visiting a shrine, but it is best to avoid clothes that are too revealing.
The precincts are large and the approach to the shrine is sometimes a gravel road, so it is recommended that you wear something that is easy to walk on.

Passing Through the Torii Gate

The torii gate serves as an iconic symbol of Japanese shrines and marks the entrance to the sacred grounds.
Before walking through, it's customary to bow and offer a silent greeting to the deity.
As you leave, it's also polite to turn around and bow towards the shrine before exiting the torii gate.

Walking Along the Shrine Path

In the shrine, the middle of the path is referred to as 'Seichū' and is considered the pathway for the deities. Therefore, try to avoid walking directly in the center of the path.

Prayer Etiquette

Purifying your body and mind is considered essential when visiting a shrine. Start by locating the 'Temizuya' (a purification fountain) near the shrine's approach to cleanse your hands and mouth.
Once you're purified, proceed to the worship hall to pray. 

Photo by Freepik

You'll find an offering box at the front of the worship hall where you can place your monetary offering.
While many people opt to offer 5 yen for good luck, there's no set rule—the amount is up to you.
Some shrines have a large bell hanging from the ceiling; 
if so, give it a strong shake before placing your offering.

Photo by Freepik

After making your offering, bow deeply twice and clap your hands twice.
Keep your hands together and make a wish.
Once you've finished your prayer, bow deeply one final time.
This sequence of actions is known as 'Nirei Nihakushu Ichirei' (two bows, two claps, one bow).

2. Haneda Shrine

Known as 'Ujigami-sama,' Haneda Shrine is revered as the guardian deity of the Haneda area. 
In addition to providing blessings for air and travel safety, the shrine is believed to grant good fortune in matters of love and health.

The shrine grounds feature notable spots like Haneda Fuji, designated as a cultural asset of Ota-ku, and Mikoshiden, where you can view a portable shrine.
Plus, the Haneda Fuji mound is open for climbing, offering a unique experience. 

Haneda Shrine

3-9-12 Honhada, Ota-ku, Tokyo 144-0044

Haneda Shrine is the guardian deity of the entire Haneda area and is revered by airlines and many believers. Many people especially come here to pray for aviation safety. There is also a legend that General Tokugawa Iesada prayed for recovery from his illness, and many people visit the shrine to pray for recovery from illness. The two deities enshrined at the shrine are Susanoo no Mikoto and Inada Hime no Mikoto, who are also known as the gods of enmusubi and games. The origin of Haneda Shrine dates back 800 years, when the feudal lord of Hanedaura enshrined Gozu Tenno. It was worshiped by many famous families during the Tokugawa period, and became independent as Yakumo Shrine in the first year of the Meiji era, and was later renamed Haneda Shrine. The shrine has evolved over time, including a new shrine building and renovation work on Fujizuka, and the parishioners are watching over it. In particular, the artificial mountain called Haneda Fuji has been designated as a cultural property of Ota Ward, and it is now possible to climb it again.

・Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Note: The Haneda Fuji mound is accessible from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM) 
・Address: 3-9-12 Honhaneda, Ota-ku, Tokyo, 144-0044 (🗺: Click here for a map)
・Access: 5-min walk from Otorii Station (Keihin Kyuko Railway)

3. Anamori Inari Shrine, Haneda, Tokyo

A standout feature of Anamori Inari Shrine is its Senbon-torii gateway, which leads to the Okunomiya (inner shrine).
This inner shrine is believed to bring good luck and attract many visitors.
Additionally, the small votive torii gates lined up at the base of the Senbon-torii are also a must-see. They have gained popularity as an Instagram hotspot in recent years. 

Another Instagram-worthy spot is the Hanachozu (flower water), where seasonal flowers float gracefully on the water's surface.

The shrine grounds are open 24/7, allowing for flexible visits. However, there are specific opening and closing times for ascending to the inner shrine, Okunomiya. 
For more details, please check the Tokyo Haneda and Anamori Inari Shrine website.

Tokyo Haneda Anamori Inari Shrine

5-2-7 Haneda, Ota-ku, Tokyo 144-0043

・Address: 5-2-7 Haneda, Ota-ku, Tokyo 144-0043 (🗺: Click here for a map)
・Access:
(1) 3-min walk from Anamori Inari Station (Keihin Airport Line)
(2) 5-min walk from Tenkubashi Station (Keihin Airport Line, Tokyo Monorail)

4. Haneda Aviation Shrine

Did you know there's a shrine inside Haneda Airport?
It's frequented not just by travelers but also by many aviation professionals, as it is believed to offer blessings for "safety in the sky," including air safety and flight safety.

Though it's a small shrine with a simple hall of worship, if you're flying out of Haneda Airport, be sure to stop by and pray for a safe journey.

Haneda Airport Shrine

1st Passenger Terminal, 3-3-2 Haneda Airport, Ota-ku, Tokyo 144-0041

Haneda Aviation Shrine is located adjacent to Tokyo's Haneda Airport, and is a shrine that prays for the advancement of the aviation industry and safe air transportation. It was established in 1963 by people involved in the aviation industry due to the importance of the Haneda area as a place to pray for aviation-related safety. Located within the grounds of Haneda Airport, it is easily accessible to aviation industry professionals and travelers. Today, Haneda Aviation Shrine continues to exist and operate within Haneda Airport, and is revered by aviation-related people.

・Visiting Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
・Address: 3-3-2 Haneda Airport, Ota-ku, Tokyo 144-0041, Terminal 1(🗺: Click here for a map)
・Access: Tokyo Monorail Haneda Airport Terminal 1 Station or Keikyu Haneda Airport Terminals 1 & 2 Station

By visiting shrines, you not only become more familiar with Japanese history and culture but also get a chance to experience the unique charm of Japan. If you're in the Haneda Airport area, why not take the opportunity to check out the shrines we've featured in this article?

If you're visiting Haneda Airport, make sure to drop by our GTN Haneda Airport Garden branch!

For more detailed directions, check out the video below!
★How to get to GTN from Haneda Sando (English)

And for more recommendations on spots and culinary delights, don't forget to check out the GTN Haneda Airport Garden Branch's Instagram page!

GTN Haneda Airport Garden Instagram

Great deals on Data SIM, eSIM, and SIM cards with phone numbers are also available!

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