The best temples and shrines in Tokyo in 2026 are Senso-ji, the city's oldest temple, in Asakusa, Meiji Jingu in its Harajuku forest, Nezu Shrine with its tunnel of torii, Zojo-ji beneath Tokyo Tower and Gotoku-ji with its thousands of beckoning-cat figures. Kanda Myojin, Hie Shrine, Tsukiji Hongan-ji, Yushima Tenjin and Shibamata Taishakuten round out the list.
Temples (tera, ji) are Buddhist; shrines (jinja, jingu) are Shinto, marked by torii gates. At a shrine, rinse your hands at the water basin, then bow twice, clap twice and bow once. Most are free to enter.
Tokyo's oldest temple, through the Kaminarimon gate.
Senso-ji is reached through the giant red lantern of Kaminarimon and the stalls of Nakamise-dori. Its main hall and five-story pagoda are lit up at night.
It is busy but essential.
Good to know: Go early morning or after dark for calm.
2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032
A shrine in a deep forest next to Harajuku.
Meiji Jingu is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, reached by gravel paths through a planted forest. Traditional weddings often process through the grounds on weekends.
It is a calm escape from Harajuku.
Good to know: Enter from Harajuku and leave via Yoyogi.
1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-8557
A tunnel of red torii and an azalea garden.
Nezu Shrine has ornate 18th-century buildings and a hillside tunnel of small red torii, a quieter version of Kyoto's Fushimi Inari.
Its azalea festival peaks in April.
Good to know: Combine with a walk through Yanaka.
1-28-9 Nezu, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-0031
A grand temple with Tokyo Tower behind it.
Zojo-ji is the family temple of the Tokugawa shoguns, with a massive gate and rows of small Jizo statues in red caps. Tokyo Tower rises right behind the main hall.
It is a classic photo.
Good to know: Visit at dusk when Tokyo Tower lights up.
4-7-35 Shibakoen, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0011
The temple of thousands of beckoning cats.
Gotoku-ji is said to be the birthplace of the maneki-neko, the beckoning cat; thousands of white cat figures are left by visitors.
It is a quiet neighborhood temple.
Good to know: Ride the Setagaya Line tram to get there.
2-24-7 Gotokuji, Setagaya City, Tokyo 154-0021
A colorful shrine near Akihabara, popular with tech and anime fans.
Kanda Myojin is a vivid vermilion shrine with a history of more than 1,000 years, near Akihabara. It sells charms for electronics and anime collaborations.
Its Kanda Matsuri festival is one of Tokyo's biggest.
Good to know: Pair with a walk to Akihabara.
2-16-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021
A hilltop shrine with a corridor of red torii.
Hie Shrine sits on a hill in Nagatacho, reached by escalators or a stairway lined with red torii.
It is a calm spot among government buildings.
Good to know: Use the torii stairway on the west side.
2-10-5 Nagatacho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0014
A temple built in an Indian-inspired style.
Tsukiji Hongan-ji is a striking Buddhist temple designed in an ancient Indian style, with a café serving a famous breakfast.
It is next to the Tsukiji Outer Market.
Good to know: Try the 18-dish breakfast at the temple café.
3-15-1 Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-8435
The shrine of learning, famous for plum blossoms.
Yushima Tenjin is dedicated to the god of learning, and students hang wooden prayer plaques before exams. Its plum blossoms bloom in February and March.
It is a short walk from Ueno.
Good to know: Visit during the plum festival.
3-30-1 Yushima, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-0034
Exquisite wood carvings in old-town Shibamata.
Shibamata Taishakuten is known for intricate wooden carvings on its main hall and a garden, in an old shopping street on Tokyo's eastern edge.
It feels like Showa-era Tokyo.
Good to know: Try the kusa-dango on the approach street.
7-10-3 Shibamata, Katsushika City, Tokyo 125-0052
Senso-ji in Asakusa, founded in the 7th century, is Tokyo's oldest and most visited temple.
Meiji Jingu, dedicated to Emperor Meiji, set in a large forest next to Harajuku.
Grounds are almost always free; some gardens and treasure halls charge a small fee.
Anything respectful. Remove shoes where asked, and avoid loud behavior in prayer halls.
A calligraphy stamp collected in a special book at temples and shrines, for a small fee.