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A shrine inhabited by foxes? A Japanese ritual double suicide? Tokyo is home to some crazy and visit-worthy shrines and temples.

In this article we will take you on a tour of four holy sites that impress with their unconventional appearance and background story. Whether it is temples that appear to be ruled by animals, or shrines that commemorate the tragic death of a general, don't miss out those places if you are looking for a somewhat different cultural experience.

Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin - 豊川稲荷東京別院

Legend has it that a white fox with a rice plant slung over the back of the third son of Emperor Juntoku while undergoing a spiritual experience. Built in 1828 as a branch of the spectacular same named temple in Toyokawa City (Aichi Prefecture), the Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin is without no doubt one of the most unusual temples in Tokyo. Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin can be found near the busy business area Akasaka.

When entering the temple, it seems as if you are setting foot in a world run by foxes. Inari is the god of rice cultivation in Shinto religion, and foxes are regarded as messengers of Inari. This explains the numerous fox statues in-and outside shrines that are dedicated to the rice god. Not only do the fox statues differ in size and material, the contrasting facial expression as well as positions create a sense of each creature having their own story.

Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin is highly recommend for people who want to experience a long lasting temple visit.

Information

Address:
1 Chome-4-7 Motoakasaka, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0051

Opening Hours:
From Friday to Monday 5:30AM - 4PM, and from Tuesday - Thursday 5:30AM - 8PM.

Access:
5 min. from Akasakamitsuke Sta. (Ginza Line / Marunouchi Line)
5 min. from Nagatacho Sta. (Yurakucho Line / Hanzomon Line / Nagatacho Line)

Google Maps

https://www.google.com.br/maps/place/Toyokawa

Toyokawainari Tokyo Shrine Official Website

http://www.toyokawainari-tokyo.jp/

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Namiyoke Inari Shrine - 波除神社

How about praying for a a good livelihood and diet after a long visit at Tsukiji Fish Market? Hidden right after the final market stalls, Namiyoke Inari Shrine greets you with two huge lion head statues at each side of the entrance.
The shrines history is simultaneously with the legendary fish market. The enshrined deity of the shrine prevents natural disasters. Convenient, considering that Tsukiji was constructed on reclaimed land. Besides the Shinmei style inspired main shrine, there are many things to discover, despite the relatively small size. Throughout the shrine, “tsuka”, similar to round milestones, are distributed, each representing food ingredients. Egg, shrimp, monkfish, and even sushi tsuka are displayed in order for people to pray for a healthy diet. So if you are trying to loose weight, and are looking for that extra motivation, Namiyoke Inari Shrine might be the secret spot to help you achieve that goal.

Information

Address:
6 Chome-20-37 Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0045

Opening Hours:
Everyday from 9AM - 5PM

Access:
5 min. walk from Tsukijishijo Sta. (Toei Oedo Line)
7 min. walk from Tsukiji Sta. (Hibiya Line)

Google Maps

https://www.google.com.br/maps/place/Namiyoke-Shrine

Namiyoke Shrine Official Website

http://www.namiyoke.or.jp/

Gotokuji - 豪徳寺

Often called the birthplace of “maneki neko”, the world famous beckoning cat, Gotokuji is a must visit for all cat lovers. Located in the popular residential Setagaya ward, Gotokuji is another temple with an unusual background story. It is believed that Naotaki Li, a feudal lord of the Edo Period (1603-1868) was saved during a thunderstorm by a cat inviting him to the temple. As a gesture of gratitude, Naotaki Li devoted the temple to his clan, who then started to embellish the surroundings with the cute cat figurines. And over time the maneki neko have increase, making it the lucky charm of the temple.

When visiting the Gotokuji, you have the possibility to purchase on of the maneki neko, available in different sizes. Not only are they a super cute souvenir to decorate your own home, the maneki neko are for good luck and make wishes come true, allegedly. It has become popular among visitors to leave the maneki neko, after purchasing at temple as an offering, as it is believed that it will increase the chances of making their wishes come true, as well as making their good fortune stay even longer.

Besides the famous cat figurines, the Gotokuji provides visitors access to a cemetery at the back of the temple, were allegedly the remains of the Li clan are buried. This is highly exceptional, because most cemeteries in Japan are locked, and therefore impossible to visit. Gotokuji's cemetery is one of a few that are open for visitors.

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Information

Address:
2 Chome-24-7 Gotokuji, Setagaya City, Tokyo 154-0021

Opening Hours:
Currently closed due to the pandemic. Regular opening hours are from 6AM - 6PM from March to August, and from 6AM - 5PM from September to February.

Access:
5 min. walk from Miyanosaka Sta. (Tokyu - Setagaya Line)
15 min. walk from Gotokuji Sta. (Odakyu Odawara Line)

Google Maps

https://www.google.com.br/maps/place/Gotokuji

Gotokuji Official Website

https://gotokuji.jp/

Nogi Shrine - 乃木神社

Nogi Shrine can be found in Roppongi, the nightlife and embassy center of Tokyo. Unlike many other shrines, it is relatively new and has a rather sorrowful historical background. Nogi Shrine was established in 1923, dedicated to General Nogi Maresuko, who came from a samurai family. Throughout his life he rose in military ranks, and played a key role during the Russo-Japanese War (1904-05). General Nogi Maresuko was convinced that he has a certain amount of responsibility for the numerous Japanese people who lost their lives during that time, and therefore intended to commit suicide, which was refused by Emperor Meiji. Only after his passing, did Nogi Maresuko and his wife Nogi Shizuko decide to commit suicide, express their loyalty towards Emperor Meij, and continue to serve him in the afterlife.

Nogi Shrine was built on the grounds of their home, the house where the double suicide happened. The house is only open twice a year, but can be seen when visiting the shrine.

The tragic story behind Nogi Shrine is what sets it apart from other shrines in Japan. Nevertheless, it does not fail to impresses with some beautiful torii gates, modern construction of the shrine, and an alluring atmosphere.

Information

Address:
8 Chome-11-27 Akasaka, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0052

Opening Hours:
Every day from 6AM - 5PM

Access:
1 min. walk from Nogizaka Sta. (Chiyoda Line)

Google Maps

https://www.google.com.br/maps/place/Nogi-Shrine

Nogi Shrine Official Website

https://nogijinja.or.jp/

At times visiting holy places such as temples and shrines can have that adventures touch, the feeling of discovering a mystery. It can be due to the way they are presented, or by incorporating a story. Nevertheless, they want us to go there and find out on our own.

(By Stefan)

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