Nezu Shrine ⛩️🌸 | Walking Tour of Tokyo in a Day

Audio Guide Tokyo | Walking Tour of Tokyo in a Day

Nezu Shrine ⛩️🌸

Nezu Shrine is one of Tokyo’s oldest and most beautiful Shinto shrines, dating back nearly 1,900 years. Located in the charming and historical Yanesen neighborhood, this shrine is famed for its striking torii gate tunnel and its lush, colorful gardens. Nezu Shrine is particularly famous for its azalea festival in spring, when the grounds are covered in vibrant pinks, purples, and whites. Whether you’re looking to explore traditional architecture, take in seasonal beauty, or enjoy a peaceful break from the bustling city, Nezu Shrine is a perfect destination. Let’s dive into everything you need to know for your visit.

1. Google Maps Link

Find your way easily: Nezu Shrine on Google Maps

2. Next Subway Station Nearby 🚇

• Nezu Station (Chiyoda Line) – Just a 5-minute walk from the shrine, this is the most convenient station if you’re coming from central Tokyo.
• Sendagi Station (Chiyoda Line) – Another option within a 10-minute walk, great if you’re exploring the Yanaka area.
• Todaimae Station (Namboku Line) – About a 15-minute walk away, also convenient if you’re coming from the University of Tokyo area.

3. Good Places to Eat Nearby 🍣🍵🍡

After exploring the shrine, why not enjoy a bite to eat at some nearby local favorites? Here are some great spots:

• Kayaba Coffee – Located in the nearby Yanaka neighborhood, this retro café is perfect for enjoying a nostalgic coffee and a light meal. Their tamago sando (egg sandwich) is particularly popular. 🍞☕️
• Hagi Café – A charming café inside an old Japanese house, offering traditional sweets and light lunches. It’s a peaceful spot to relax after your shrine visit. 🍵🍡
• Yanaka Ginza – Just a short walk away, this traditional shopping street is filled with quaint food stalls and small restaurants. Grab some fresh croquettes, taiyaki (fish-shaped cake with sweet filling), or onigiri (rice balls) for a quick snack. 🍢🍙
• Nezunoya – A cozy local restaurant near Nezu Shrine, offering delicious and affordable Japanese home-cooked meals with seasonal ingredients. 🍱

4. Best Photo Spots 📸

• Torii Gate Tunnel – The iconic red torii gates that lead up to the hill of Nezu Shrine are a must-see. Walk through the tunnel and capture the striking contrast of the vermillion gates against the green surroundings. It’s a perfect spot for atmospheric photos. ⛩️📷
• Azalea Garden (Tsutsuji-en) – If you’re visiting in spring (late April to early May), don’t miss the shrine’s azalea garden. The vibrant pink, purple, and white blooms create a stunning backdrop for photos. 🌸🌿
• Main Hall (Honden) – The shrine’s main hall is a beautiful example of Edo-period architecture, with intricate wood carvings and bright colors. The hall reflects in the pond during certain times of the day, making for a perfect shot. 🏯🌸
• Stone Lanterns and Bridges – Scattered around the shrine grounds are traditional stone lanterns and small bridges crossing ponds and streams. These details add a serene, historic touch to your photos. 🌉🪔

5. Opening Times of the Sight ⏰

• Nezu Shrine Grounds:
  Open daily, 24 hours. You can visit the shrine grounds at any time, but the main hall and some areas may have restricted access after hours.
• Azalea Garden (Tsutsuji-en):
  Open during the Azalea Festival (late April to early May) from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. There is a small admission fee during this period to enter the garden.

6. Additional Insider Tips 🧐

• Azalea Festival (Tsutsuji Matsuri): If you’re visiting in late April to early May, don’t miss the Azalea Festival, when the shrine’s garden bursts into vibrant colors. There are often food stalls, traditional performances, and festival activities during this time, adding to the fun. 🌸🎉
• Quiet Mornings: If you prefer a more peaceful experience, visit early in the morning. The shrine is especially serene before the crowds arrive, and you can enjoy a quiet walk through the torii gate tunnel and around the grounds. 🌅✨
• Yanesen Area: Nezu Shrine is located in the Yanesen district, which includes Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi. This area is known for its old Tokyo charm, with narrow streets, traditional shops, and historical sites. It’s a great place to explore after visiting the shrine. 🚶‍♂️🏙️
• Ema and Omamori: Like many Shinto shrines, Nezu Shrine offers ema (wooden plaques where you can write wishes) and omamori (good luck charms). Consider purchasing one as a souvenir or as a way to make a wish for good fortune. 🎋🧧

7. Hidden Gem 💎

• Otome Inari Shrine – Located within the Nezu Shrine grounds, this smaller shrine is dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and prosperity. It’s a bit off the main path, but the peaceful atmosphere and the smaller torii gate pathway leading to it make for a great hidden photo spot. 🦊⛩️

8. Public Bathrooms Nearby 🚻

• Inside Nezu Shrine – There are clean and well-maintained public bathrooms located near the entrance to the shrine.
• Yanaka Ginza – If you’re heading to Yanaka Ginza after your visit, there are public bathrooms available in this shopping street area. 🚻