Nezu Shrine
Nezu Shrine, A Very Old Shrine In North Central Tokyo With A Momoyama Style Vermilion Main Hall And A Long Tunnel Of Small Red Torii Gates, And A Famous Azalea Garden In April. Quieter Than The Big Shrines, And A Short Walk From Yanaka'S Old Streets. · Tokyo, Tokyo
Nezu Shrine is a shrine in Bunkyo, north-central Tokyo, a short walk from Nezu Station on the Chiyoda line. Tradition puts its founding about 1,900 years ago, in antiquity - confirm - though what stands today dates from 1706, built in the Edo period, and several buildings are Important Cultural Properties - confirm. The vermilion main hall and gate are lavish and well kept. A tunnel of small red torii on the hillside path, called Senbon torii in local usage, leads to a small inner shrine. In April and early May an azalea (tsutsuji) festival fills the hillside with flowers and brings crowds and an entry fee during the festival - confirm. Entry to the grounds is otherwise free. The shrine sits in the Yanaka, Nezu and Sendagi area, known as Yanesen, with old streets, temples and small shops. It suits an easy half day and is worth the detour for the azaleas or for a quiet alternative to bigger shrines. Tokyo and Senso-ji are separate places on the app.
1-28-9 Nezu, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, a short walk from Nezu Station on the Chiyoda line, Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
The grounds are commonly open from early morning to evening, roughly 6:00 to 17:00, and the shrine office and amulet counter keep shorter hours, around 9:00 to 17:00 - confirm. Entry to the grounds is free for most of the year. During the azalea festival, usually April to early May, the garden section charges a small fee and opens in the daytime - confirm. There is no booking. From Nezu Station walk about five minutes; IC cards work on the Chiyoda line and the Yamanote line stations nearby. Carry coins for offerings and cash for amulets, and expect the festival weekends to be crowded.