Located in Nezu, Bunkyo-ku, between the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Tokyo and Nippon Medical School, Nezu shrine has a long history, having been founded in Sendagi over 1900 years ago.

Nezu Shrine is one of the ten shrines in Tokyo and is an old shrine that is said to have been founded by Yamatotakeru no Mikoto. It is famous for its azalea blossoms and the annual festival in September (one of the three major festivals in Edo).

Nezu Shrine Bunkyo

The shrine was built by Tsunayoshi Tokugawa, the 5th Shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate, at the present location.

The annual festival (September 21) is said to be one of the three major festivals in Edo, along with the Sanno Festival and the Kanda Festival, which are of the same rank. (The three major festivals are chosen differently depending on the region.)

Nezu Shrine Bunkyo

The public festival is held on Saturday and Sunday around the 21st.

In the past, great writers such as Mori Ogai and Natsume Soseki lived in the neighborhood, and there is a “Stone of Rest for Great Writers” in the precincts of the temple.

The deities enshrined at the shrine are Susano-no-mikoto, Oyamakui-no-mikoto, and Homudawake-no-mikoto.

The deity’s divine virtues include the prevention of bad luck, business prosperity, business reflection, matchmaking, family safety, and traffic safety. During Hatsumode (New Year’s visit), the shrine is surrounded by important cultural properties and greenery and is crowded with worshippers.

Many people also visit the temple for a stroll. The temple is about a 5-minute walk from Nezu Station, Sendagi Station, and Todaimae Station on the subway line.

Parking is available for approximately 23 cars, but during the New Year’s holiday period, we recommend using public transportation or a nearby toll parking lot.

Image Credit: Tokyo Navi via tokyo-park.net archive
Park NameNezu Shrine (Nezu Jinja)
根津神社
Address1-28-9 Nezu, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Access (by train)
  • Subway Chiyoda Line Nezu station about 0.7 km
  • Subway Chiyoda Line Sendagi station about 0.7 km
  • Subway Namboku Line Todaimae station about 0.7 km
  • Subway Mita Line Hakusan station about 1.0 km
  • JR Ueno Station about 2.1 km *Bus (Tokyo Metropolitan Transportation Bureau) available
Access (by car)
  • Ueno Exit, Metropolitan Expressway No. 1 Ueno Line About 2.6 km
  • Metropolitan Expressway No.1 Ueno Line Iidabashi Exit about 4.2 km
  
Gate of Nezu ShrineThe tower gate of Nezu ShrineKaramon Gate of Nezu Shrine
The main shrine pavilion of Nezu ShrineThe main shrine pavilion of Nezu ShrineTorii gate of Nezu Shrine

Image Credit: Tokyo Navi via tokyo-park.net archive

Tokyo Trip Checklist

  • If you’re traveling on the bullet train see our guide on how to reserve and buy Shinkansen tickets online.
  • The Much-loved Japan Rail Pass Surged in Price by a massive 70% in October.
  • We recommend a 1,2 or 3-day Tokyo Unlimited Subway Pass to get around Tokyo cheaply and easily.
  • If you plan on visiting Mt Fuji check out our list of the best Mt Fuji group or private tours from Tokyo
  • You’ll need a prepaid sim or Portable WIFI to stay connected in Japan
  • To ensure you have all the important things covered see our Tokyo travel guide.
  • For more hotel booking help check out the following popular articles:
  • Where To Stay Near Tokyo Station: 10 Best Hotels Close To Tokyo Station
  • 8 Top Luxury Hotels In Tokyo
  • 11 Best Ryokans in Tokyo
  • 13 Best Hotels Near Shibuya Crossing: Where To Stay Near Shibuya Scramble

Similar Posts