Location: Tokyo
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10 Sacred & Religious Sites in Tokyo That You Shouldn't Miss
Tradition collides with pop culture in Tokyo, where you can reverently wander ancient temples before rocking out at a karaoke bar. Wake up before the sun to catch the lively fish auction at the Tsukiji Market, then refresh with a walk beneath the cherry blossom trees that line the Sumida River. Spend some time in the beautiful East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, then brush up on your Japanese history at the Edo-Tokyo Museum. Don’t forget to eat as much sushi, udon noodles, and wagashi (Japanese sweets) as your belly can handle.
Restaurants in Tokyo
1. Senso-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,321 reviews
According to legend, two brothers kept trying to return a statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, to the Sumida River only to have it returned to them the next day. This temple located in Tokyo's Asakusa district was built to honor her.
Reviewed By SandyS1593
There's so much going on at the Senso-ji Temple. There's the Asakusa Shrine, a five-story pagoda, beautiful gardens with a statue of Buddha and a street of over 200 shops that sell traditional Japanese items and souvenirs. If you only have time for one temple stop, I highly recommend Senso-ji.
2. Sengaku-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 627 reviews
Reviewed By Dylan914 - Sale, United Kingdom
This temple is a little our of the way and doesnt seem to be as visited as some of the other attractions we visited. We werent able to go in to the temple itself (not sure if we were just unlucky or if its one of the many that dont allow access). The site is very interesting and covers the history of the 47 ronin (yes - the Keanu Reeves film is based on this story!). The site is well preserved - worth a visit if you're in the area. We spent a couple of hours in the area - but a lot of that time was spent sitting!
3. St. Mary's Cathedral, Tokyo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
Reviewed By JensTetz - Berlin, Germany
There are so many temples, shrines and pagodas to see in Tokyo – that makes visiting a church sometimes a bit more special (even when you are European). This cathedral is definitely something extraordinary. It's a masterpiece by Japanese architect Kenzo Tange. You can take the metro to Gokokuji Station and then walk about 15 minutes. You will find an iconic modern church which is stunning from the in- and outside. You can visit it free of charge but it's officially not allowed to take photos. If you are in the area you can also visit the Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo Garden which is close to St. Mary's.
4. Tokyo Camii & Turkish Culture Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 259 reviews
Tokyo Camii, also known as Tokyo Mosque, is a mosque with an adjoining Turkish culture center located in the Ōyama-chō district of Shibuya ward in Tokyo, Japan. It is the largest mosque in Japan. The mosque was originally built along with an adjoining school on May 12, 1938 by Bashkir and Tatar immigrants from Russia who had come to Japan after the October Revolution. It was made under the direction of Abdürreşid İbrahim, the first Imam of the mosque, and Abdülhay Kurban Ali. In 1986, the mosque had to be demolished because of severe structural damage. Under the direction and support of Diyanet İşleri Başkanliği a new building was begun in 1998. The architect for the building was Muharrem Hilmi Senalp. The ornamentation was based on Ottoman religious architecture. Around 70 Turkish craftsmen performed the finishing details, and a considerable quantity of marble was imported from Turkey. The construction was completed in 2000. Tokyo Camii is 734 square meters in area. Its main dome is 23 meters tall and is supported by six pillars, while the adjacent minaret is 41 tall.
Reviewed By DzulhilmiZulkifli - Putrajaya, Malaysia
You can perform your prayer when you come here. this building have 5 floor. they provide male prayer room and female prayer room as well
5. Asakusa Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,341 reviews
Reviewed By Jajourney06 - Singapore, null
Not sure how true if you happened in Tokyo , do give a visit to this gate. our local friend said over pass this gate will give good luck :)
6. Gotokuji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 432 reviews
Reviewed By larryjman - Edmonton, Canada
I don't understand how this place is not more popular! A really beautiful Buddhist temple located outside of the busier parts of Tokyo. Excellent choice for cat-lovers as you'll find the classic waving cat statues in abundance! You can see the shrine with all the statues placed together in a cluster, and it's quite the sight. That's not all this temple has to offer though, the grounds are full of interesting things such as a pagoda, statues and memorials, as well as a larger grounds near the back of ruins to wander around in. You can also purchase your own waving cat statue to do with what you wish, you can add it to the shrine or keep it for your own good luck. Buy one and they'll also provide you with an English translation of the story of how the waving cat came to be. Honestly one of my favorite experiences in Tokyo.
7. Zojo-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,161 reviews
This well-known temple stands next to Tokyo Tower, and its grounds contain the mausoleum of the Tokugawa family.
Reviewed By yogaTRAVELhappyhr
looking forward to seeing the cherry blossoms here again this spring. it's a great temple to have in your neighborhood and worth a visit if you are outside the neighborhood because of the iconic views with Tokyo tower right behind it. don't miss all the lovely vantage points around the area too... there are even some nice plum blossoms down the street too in the early spring!
8. Hanazono Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 605 reviews
Reviewed By Genevieve_aust - Gold Coast, Australia
Hanazono Jinja is a lovely Shrine so close to sShinjuku station, but once you are inside you could be in a different time. Quiet lovely to look around the temple area, and on Sundays they host a Flea market with lots of antiques and other curios, I have picked up some great things there.
9. Toshogu Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 521 reviews
Listed as a National Treasure, this shrine was constructed in 651 and dedicated to shogun Tokugawa leyasu. A second Toshogu Shrine is located in Nikko and both were built by leyasu's grandson.
Reviewed By urbandrifter - Melbourne, Australia
Well worth a visit even though there wasn’t any flowers really out. It’s a quiet and peaceful place and found the whole area somewhere to just chill out and soak up Japan. A photographers dream. Wheelchair accessible and stroller friendly. Kids will enjoy this place as well. Really enjoyed the surrounding temple, the copper lanterns and all the beautiful offerings.
10. Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 175 reviews
Reviewed By alexandraremi
It was a Buddhist temple. Absolutely picturesque. A well maintained Shrine for praying for good health, happiness relationship and much more. Full of fox statues. The red banners fluttering were erected by petitioners for health, safety and wealth.
