This post marks the 100th article on the blog , featuring Tokyo’s Kagurazaka.
As a travel and lifestyle blogger based in Okinawa, I share helpful tips and ideas for both domestic and international trips at @owncolorstravel
This time, I’ll be introducing a few historic shrines in the Kagurazaka area, known for its many auspicious spots in Tokyo. During my stay, I visited several of these shrines for a special look at places that bring good fortune.
・Zenkokuji Temple on the main street of Kagurazaka
Zenkokuji Temple 5-36 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-0825
On Kagurazaka’s main street, there’s a shrine known for blessings of good fortune, protection from misfortune, and prosperity in business.
Zenkoku-ji, with a history of over 400 years, is dedicated to Bishamonten, the God of Treasure and one of the Seven Lucky Gods, who bestows blessings. The grounds are small, but the serene atmosphere, especially amid the bustling Kagurazaka shopping district, makes it an ideal spot to stop by during a stroll through the area. If you’re seeking good fortune while soaking in Kagurazaka’s unique charm, this shrine is well worth a visit.
・Akagi Shrine also has a cafe
Akagi Shrine 1-10 Akagi Motomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-0817
Akagi Shrine is a quiet, peaceful shrine conveniently located near Kagurazaka Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line. Interestingly, there’s also a café, Akagi Café, on the grounds, offering a cozy spot to rest after your visit. The shrine’s modern architecture creates a unique contrast to the traditional feel of most shrines.
With a long history, Akagi Shrine is dedicated to Akagi-hime-no-mikoto, a deity who is believed to fulfill women’s wishes and bring blessings for romantic relationships. Given its close proximity to Zenkoku-ji, visiting both shrines makes for a perfect pairing on your Kagurazaka shrine tour.
・A small shrine in Kenban Yokocho, Fushimi Hibo Inari Shrine
Also in Kagurazaka, there’s a small shrine tucked away in Kenban Yokocho, one of the district’s charming alleys. The name “Kenban” comes from the nearby office responsible for arranging and training geisha, giving the area a traditional flower-town ambiance.
The shrine itself is small and easy to miss as it sits quietly along the street, but it’s worth a stop. This alley also features hidden restaurants that add to its secretive charm, making a stroll here a delightful part of exploring Kagurazaka.
・Matchmaking shrine “Tokyo Daijingu”
Tokyo Daijingu Shrine 2-4-1 Fujimi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0071
This was a must-visit on my Tokyo list—Tokyo Daijingu!
As one of the Tokyo Five Shrines, Tokyo Daijingu is especially known for blessings in romantic relationships. While it’s within walking distance from the Kagurazaka subway station, the closest station is JR Iidabashi.
One of the charms I found most intriguing was, of course, the enmusubi (relationship-blessing) charm.
Tokyo Daijingu offers a wide variety of charms, ema (wishing plaques), and omikuji (fortune slips), making it tough to choose! Some unique ones include the Taiko-shaped renai-joju-suzu (Love Fulfillment Bell) to pray for romance, the enmusubi ema for relationship blessings, and the enmusubi suzuran mamori, a lily-of-the-valley charm symbolizing the arrival of happiness.
I was drawn to the enmusubi netsuke mamori, a subtle relationship charm with the shrine’s floral crest, hanabishi. Available in red, green, purple, and pink, I went with pink! It feels special and isn’t too bold to carry around.
Tokyo Daijingu is famous for relationship blessings partly because it was the first shrine in Japan to hold Shinto-style weddings. It also enshrines deities that are believed to foster connections in love and marriage, making it particularly popular among those hoping for success in romance and marriage.
Among the shrines I visited this time, Tokyo Daijingu was by far the busiest, with many visitors coming to pay their respects—its popularity was clear to see.
・Pet amulet Ichigaya Kameoka Hachimangu Shrine
Ichigaya Kameoka Hachimangu Shrine 15 Ichigaya Hachimancho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-0844
This shrine is located one station away from JR Iidabashi Station, with JR Ichigaya as the nearest station.
Climbing the rather steep stairs left me a bit out of breath, but Ichigaya Kameoka Hachimangu Shrine is unique in Japan for offering charms for pets.
You can visit with your pet for New Year’s visits or blessings, and even pray together with them.
I offered prayers for my beloved dog, and when I bought a charm, the shrine staff performed a “kiribi” ritual—a small fire ceremony to ward off evil and misfortune—before handing it over to me.
They also have unique items like omikuji (fortune slips) for dogs and cats, making it a truly one-of-a-kind shrine.
Our pets are precious members of the family. This shrine is a wonderful place to visit to pray for their health, hoping to enjoy a long, happy life together and strengthen the bond we share with them.
・Blessings for Eye Health – Chanoki Inari Shrine
Known for its blessings for eye health, Chanoki Inari Shrine is located up the stairs within the grounds of Ichigaya Hachiman Shrine, near JR Ichigaya Station.
It’s easy to visit together with Ichigaya Hachiman Shrine, so be sure to stop by and offer a prayer here as well.
So, what did you think? The shrines around the Kagurazaka area.
There are many others to explore, each steeped in Japanese history and perfect for reconnecting with a sense of reverence.
Why not visit a shrine that resonates with you and make a wish for it to come true?
