
Although numbers are unclear, estimates say that Japan has approximately 75,000 Buddhist temples and 80,000 Shinto shrines. Many of the most popular shrines and temples are found in Kyoto, but Tokyo has plenty that are also historically significant and equally beautiful. Visitors seeking history and beauty can choose from several shrines and temples in Tokyo to suit their needs.
Most popular shrines and temples
Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingū)
Dedicated in 1920, Meiji Shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife Empress Shōken, who were instrumental in the modernization of Japan. A manmade forest surrounds the shrine with 120,000 trees from over 200 species covering 170 acres, creating a peaceful, natural oasis in the heart of the city. In addition to the main sanctuary, visitors can explore the garden that Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken regularly visited during their lives.
Shrine website: https://www.meijijingu.or.jp/en/
Closest Station(s): Harajuku (Yamanote Line); Yoyogi-Hachiman Station (Odakyu Odawara Line)
Yasukuni Shrine (Yasukuni Jinja)
Although not one of the best-known shrines in Tokyo, Yasukuni Shrine is probably the most controversial one. Emperor Meiji established the shrine in 1869 to honor soldiers who died during the Boshin War. Although never officially established as a national war memorial, it has unofficially become Japan’s most famous memorial to people who died fighting for the emperor with over 2.4 million kami (deities) enshrined here. Controversy regarding the shrine focuses on the enshrinement of 1,068 people convicted of war crimes related to World War II. Fourteen are Class-A war criminals (people convicted of planning, preparing, initiating, or waging the war).
Shrine website: https://www.yasukuni.or.jp/english/
Closest Station(s): Kudanshita (Shinjuku Line); Iidabashi (Chūō-Sōbu Line)