No trip to Tokyo would be complete without visiting the city’s key temples and shrines and here are some of the top sacred sites you should add to your itinerary.
Senso-ji Temple
First up, we have Senso-ji Temple, also known as Asakusa Temple. This site, which is within easy reach of properties like Oakwood Residence Shinagawa Tokyo, is the city’s oldest with a history dating back over 1,300 years. As you approach the temple, you’ll first pass through a bustling street lined with shops selling traditional Japanese goods. At the entrance is the towering “Thunder Gate”, or Kaminarimon, which is flanked by two massive statues of the Shinto gods, Raijin and Fujin. As you enter the temple grounds, you’ll see the main hall, or hondo, with amazing art while there are several other halls, a pagoda, the Asakusa Shrine, monuments and more.
Kanda Shrine
Dating to 730, this shrine is linked to Shinto worship and is in downtown Chiyoda-ku which can be accessed from Tokyo apartments. Shinagawa makes an ideal base from which to head off on sightseeing adventures to this site where two of the Seven Gods of Fortune are enshrined; this has led to many devotees coming here to pray for success in business and marriage. One of the highlights here is the zuishin-mon, the beautiful main gate with exquisite carvings. Because this site is near Akihabara, which is known as a hub for electronics, it’s popular for techies to come here and buy charms to help prevent damage to their electronic devices and gadgets!
Zojo-ji Temple
Situated near Tokyo Tower, Zojo-ji Temple dates to 1393 and today, is the main temple for Pure Land Buddhism. Amongst its significant features is the 17th-century main temple gate or Sangadetsumon which happens to be the oldest wooden building in the city. On a visit, one will come across the Treasure Gallery which showcases diverse Buddhist art, while there are various statues and buildings to see here too. Once done, you can enjoy a relaxed stroll at Shiba-koen Park.
Meiji-jingu Shrine
The Meiji-jingu Shrine can be found next to the JR Harajuku Station and stands amidst an idyllic forest with evergreen trees which lends to a sense of tranquillity. This popular Shinto shrine is dedicated to not only the deified spirit of Emperor Meiji, but Empress Shoken as well and draws lots of locals. In fact, it’s a popular choice for a traditional Shinto wedding, while the shrine is also used for summer equinox rituals and various festivals and celebrations too. Check the Inner Garden in June to see irises in bloom as well.
