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Category Archives: Tokyo Shrines and Temples
Exploring Yanaka
Yanaka is a peaceful neighborhood that is perfect for a morning stroll and that rewards exploration. A straightforward walk from Ueno to Nippori will take you along quiet streets of undamaged pre-war buildings, quiet temples and an eclectic selection of contemporary artist’s studios and galleries. Most notable among them is the Asakura Museum of SculptureContinue reading “Exploring Yanaka”
Kanda Myojin Shrine
Kanda Myojin Shrine (神田明神) is a major Shinto shrine near Akihabara and Ueno. Over 1000 years old, the buildings have been stunningly reserved and the garden even more so. People visit the shrine to pray for prosperity and wealth. Budget travel tips Walk from Akihabara. After geeking out, walk north up the main street (Chuo Dori) andContinue reading “Kanda Myojin Shrine”
Nezu Shrine
Nezu Shrine is a small shrine complex and garden, famous for it’s yearly Azalea Festival. It has around 3000 azaleas, while the shrine itself is a great example of Edo period architecture. Budget travel tips It’s quite a small shrine complex, so only come here during the Azalea Festival in early April to early May. How toContinue reading “Nezu Shrine”
Kichijoji
Kichijoji is a nice place to spend a cheap day, just walking around and doing an odd bit of shopping, eating or relaxing in the park. It’s the most interesting suburban town outside central Tokyo, and has many things to keep all types of people occupied. Budget travel tips Make sure you have a printContinue reading “Kichijoji”
Takahata-Fudoson Temple and Park
While the name is quite a tongue twister, Toritsu Tamakyuryo Natural Park and the associated shrine and pagoda complex make for a great tourist attraction in suburban Tokyo. Top Tips It’s little far from central Tokyo, so consider combining it with Mount Takao and/or Showa Memorial Park. Great for Autumn colours. Check our report here. How toContinue reading “Takahata-Fudoson Temple and Park”
Asakusa
Asakusa (あさくさ/浅草) is the main tourist zone in Tokyo. While this may put some travelers off, it is still a must see for any visit to Japan. Asakusa features Tokyo’s most famous temple, atmospheric old-fashioned streets and plenty of attractions for all types of travelers. All are an easy walk from each other. Budget travelContinue reading “Asakusa”
Kawagoe
Kawagoe (かわごえ/川越) is a beautiful traditional down less than an hour away from central Tokyo. It features a famous authentic old tower and shopping street, which is why many people call it ‘Little Edo’ (Edo was the old name for Tokyo). A great place for a nice one day trip away from the skyscrapers ofContinue reading “Kawagoe”
Sengakuji temple
Sengakuji temple is a beautiful Buddhist temple near Shinagawa station. This is the location of the Revenge of the Forty-seven Ronin, when 47 masterless samurai murdered a feudal lord. Their master was forced to commit suicide after attacking the lord, so with no master the Ronin planned their attack. They eventually killed the lord, andContinue reading “Sengakuji temple”