10 Recommended Shrines in Tokyo
※updated on 9 June 2025
There are over 80,000 Shinto shrines in Japan. To put that into perspective, there are about 56,000 convenience stores throughout the country, and around 40,000 McDonald’s locations worldwide. This comparison shows just how common and significant shrines are in Japan.
In Japanese tradition, it has long been believed that gods (kami) dwell in elements of nature—such as rocks, trees, mountains, oceans, fire, water, wind, and the earth. Places where these deities are worshiped eventually had structures built on them, and these became known as Shinto shrines. The Shinto faith developed from this tradition. Every shrine enshrines a deity, referred to as the main deity (shusaijin) or enshrined deity (gosaijin), and it is believed that this deity offers blessings or benefits (goriyaku) to those who come to worship.
The deities worshiped at shrines include both gods from Japanese mythology and historical figures who were deified after death. For example, Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess and ancestor of the Japanese imperial family, appears in mythology. On the other hand, Kameido Tenjin Shrine in Tokyo enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, a real person who lived in the 9th century and was later revered as the god of learning. As you can see, Shinto deities vary—from mythological gods to humans who became deities posthumously.
For first-time visitors to Japan, elements like the vermilion-colored shrine buildings, the thousands of torii gates, and the mystical atmosphere may be what initially capture their interest. However, understanding the true purpose of visiting a Shinto shrine can make the experience much more meaningful on a deeper level.
In the following sections, we will explain the different types of shrines in Japan, their origins, and the meanings behind the terms used to describe them.
※As a general principle, each Shinto shrine is believed to offer a wide range of blessings. The examples mentioned below represent some of the most well-known or symbolic benefits associated with each shrine. They are intended to clearly illustrate the typical purposes for visiting these sacred places.
If you're wondering what kind of wish to make at a shrine, please use the examples below as a reference.
・Victory and success in competitions or career → Hachiman Shrines
・Expressing daily gratitude to the gods → Jingu
・Academic success and achievement in studies → Tenjin Shrines
・Good harvests and prosperity in business → Inari Shrines
・Family harmony and romantic relationships → Hikawa Shrines
・Romantic luck and finding good relationships → Hakusan Shrine
・Protection of the land and wide-ranging blessings → Hiyoshi Faith
・Fire prevention and career advancement → Atago Shrines
・Safe travels and protection at sea → Kotohira-gū (Konpira Shrine)
・Safe childbirth and motherhood → Sengen Shrines
1) Hachiman Shrine
Recommended for:
Those hoping for Victory and success in competitions or career
The most common type of shrine in Japan is the Hachiman Shrine. Its head shrine is Usa Jingu located in Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. A sohonsha (head shrine) refers to the central shrine that governs a specific branch of shrines across the country. The main deity enshrined here is Hachiman Shin, who is believed to be the deified form of Emperor Ojin, Japan's 15th emperor.
Hachiman Shrines are associated with the samurai class, who once deeply revered them, and thus are believed to bring blessings of certain victory. When facing an important challenge in life—be it a personal milestone, a major career opportunity, or a child’s upcoming sports tournament—visiting a Hachiman Shrine to pray for victory may be a meaningful experience.
Over time, Hachiman Shrines have expanded their divine roles beyond victory and are now also known for blessings such as protection from misfortune and traffic safety.
Tomioka Hachiman Shrine
Located about a 5-minute train ride from Tokyo’s Otemachi Station, Tomioka Hachiman Shrine stands in Monzen-Nakacho, Koto Ward. Founded in 1627, this shrine is affectionately known as "Fukagawa no Hachiman-sama" and has long been one of the most revered Hachiman shrines in Edo (now Tokyo). It continues to attract many worshippers today. The vivid red color of its torii gate and main hall makes a strong visual impression.
Main deity: Hachiman God (Emperor Ojin)
Blessings: Certain victory, among others
2) Jingu (Grand Shrine)
Recommended for:
Those who respect Shinto traditions and wish to offer gratitude to the gods
The term “Jingu” is used for high-ranking Shinto shrines that enshrine imperial deities, including emperors, members of the imperial family, or gods closely associated with them. Among all Jingu shrines, the most famous is undoubtedly Ise Jingu, located in Ise City, Mie Prefecture. It holds a special status among all Jingu shrines and is deeply revered throughout Japan.
At Ise Jingu, Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess and the supreme deity in Japanese mythology, is enshrined in the Inner Shrine (Naiku). Toyouke Omikami, the deity of food, agriculture, and industry, is enshrined in the Outer Shrine (Geku). Amaterasu Omikami is known as the ancestral deity of the Japanese Imperial family.
People visit Jingu shrines to pray for blessings such as national peace, bountiful harvests, and family safety. Many worshippers come to express gratitude or pray during important life events. Ise Jingu is especially crowded during New Year's and during the sacred Shikinen Sengu ritual, where shrine buildings are rebuilt every 20 years.
Tokyo Daijingu
Located in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo Daijingu is widely known as the birthplace of Shinto-style weddings. Like Ise Jingu, it enshrines Amaterasu Omikami and Toyouke Omikami as its main deities. It is one of Tokyo’s most popular shrines, especially among young people seeking love, marriage blessings, or strong romantic relationships.
Main deities: Amaterasu Omikami, Toyouke Omikami
Blessings: Because it enshrines Amaterasu, Japan’s highest-ranking deity, visitors can receive a wide range of blessings including household safety, prosperity in business, protection from misfortune, good fortune, and successful relationships.
3) Tenjin Shrine
Recommended for:
Those wishing for an Academic success and achievement in studies
Tenjin Shrines, affectionately known as “Tenjin-sama,” are dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, a historical figure revered as the Shinto deity of scholarship. The Tenjin faith originated in the 9th–10th centuries when Michizane was exiled to Dazaifu due to political strife. After his death, a series of natural disasters, especially lightning strikes, were believed to be his vengeful spirit. Over time, he came to be worshipped as a benevolent god of learning and wisdom.
Tenjin Shrines attract many visitors praying for academic success, passing entrance exams, and warding off misfortune. During exam season, students and their families often offer ema (wooden votive plaques) with heartfelt wishes for success.
Kameido Tenjin Shrine
Located in Koto Ward, Tokyo, Kameido Tenjin Shrine is one of the most prominent Tenjin shrines in the city. Founded in 1662, its design—including the shrine layout and landscaping—was modeled after Dazaifu Tenmangu in Kyushu, earning it the nickname “Higashi Dazaifu” (Eastern Dazaifu).
The shrine is famous for its arched drum bridge, seasonal flowers, and especially its wisteria blooms. The Kameido Wisteria Festival draws large crowds every spring. In addition to its spiritual significance, the serene beauty of the grounds makes it a peaceful retreat. Some visitors also come to enjoy views of the Tokyo Skytree from the shrine.
Main deity: Sugawara no Michizane
Blessings: Academic success, success in entrance exams
4) Inari Shrine
Recommended for:
Those praying for Good harvests and prosperity in business
With approximately 30,000 shrines across Japan, Inari Shrines are said to be the most numerous type of Shinto shrine in the country. The main deity enshrined is Ukanomitama no Kami, a god of agriculture, food, and grain, traditionally worshipped for blessings of bountiful harvests and business prosperity.
As the name “Inari” suggests, the origins of this deity are closely tied to rice cultivation and the sustenance it provides. Over time, the deity’s blessings expanded beyond agriculture to include commerce, industry, household safety, and financial success, making Inari Shrines popular with both farmers and businesspeople.
A key visual symbol of Inari Shrines is the fox statue, known as “kitsune”, placed throughout shrine grounds. These foxes are considered sacred messengers of the Inari deity and are treated with great reverence.
Anamori Inari Shrine
Located in Ōta Ward, Tokyo, Anamori Inari Shrine sits near Haneda Airport and is known for its blessings of air travel safety and journey protection. Originally established in the late Edo period, the shrine was once located near the seaside and was enshrined to protect a breach in a seawall—hence the name “Anamori” (meaning “protecting the hole”).
Today, the shrine is popular not only among locals but also among travelers and airport users. It offers a wide range of blessings, including business success, good fortune, protection from misfortune, and safe travel. The shrine's vivid vermilion torii gates, lining the path through the grounds, are also a popular photo spot.
Main deity: Ukanomitama no Kami (Inari deity)
Blessings: Agricultural abundance, business prosperity, travel safety, warding off bad luck
