Tokyo Daijingu Shrine

The Basics

While the structure of the Tokyo Daijingu Shrine was built in the late 19th century and it was moved to its current location after the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, the practices of worship that the shrine embodies are much older. A similar temple in Mie Prefecture, southwest of Tokyo, has been a pilgrimage site since the 17th century. The Tokyo Daijingu Shrine was built to help people living closer to Tokyo worship the same gods. Today, the shrine continues to play an important role in the spirituality of many Japanese, and it’s always busy with worshippers seeking blessings for love and marriage. Travelers often visit the shrine on guided or self-guided walking tours of Tokyo

Things to Know Before You Go

• Stalls outside the shrine sell charms designed to bring good luck in love; they make a nice souvenir.

• Before entering the shrine, purify yourself at the fountain by washing your hands and mouth.

• You’ll see many hanging wooden plaques on which worshippers have written their prayers. You can purchase an ema plaque and write your own wishes or prayers.

How to Get There

Like most places in Tokyo, it’s advisable to travel to the shrine by train or subway. It’s about a five-minute walk from Iidabashi Station on the JR Sobu Line.

When to Get There

The shrine and its grounds are open from sunrise to sunset. It’s especially busy during weekends, so visit outside this time to avoid the crowds.

Visit the Nearby Yasukuni Shrine

The Tokyo Daijingu Shrine is among Tokyo’s five most important shrines. Another of these is the nearby Yasukuni Shrine. It’s a notorious place, as it enshrines some generals considered to be World War II war criminals by much of the international community. But, for travelers interested in history and politics, the Yasukuni Shrine is a must-see destination in central Tokyo. It can easily be combined with a visit to the Tokyo Daijingu Shrine.