I visited Nezu Shrine in February, and the atmosphere was incredibly peaceful with very few people around. The weather was pleasantly cool. Inside, there are several spots for worship, and a key highlight is the long path lined with torii gates, which leads to the back of the shrine. At the end, there are restroom facilities available.
Along the torii path, you’ll also find a small Japanese garden with a waterfall, creating a serene and beautiful setting. I highly recommend visiting if you want a quiet escape from the city. It’s conveniently located near the University of Tokyo.
This shrine is very nice (a bit busier than past visits) and is not huge. As a solo spot it is just ok, but as part of a walk in area between cemetery, think bakery, Tanaka ginza, and pick a coffee shop and you will have an amazing time. If you wander it will feel like spots in takayama and Kanazawa (not the same but quiet). If you just go to major spots it’s just ok. It is the wandering that makes it.
I went to buy a talisman for a friend of mine who lives in Australia. The sacred wood plate is said to keep bad luck from coming inside the house and it doesn't need to be returned. The design on the plate is different in each month. November's is heavenly bamboo. The shrine grounds were neat and beautiful. There are some interesting structures such as stone fox statues, and a number of small sacred gates (torii), which visitors can go through as seen in the photos.
I highly recommend it!!
Nezu Shrine is one of those secluded places that very few tourists go to, and as such it still feels very genuine and charming. There’s also a little pond full of Koi fish and a few turtles too. A hidden gem among more well known shrines and temples of Tokyo.
A beautiful, peaceful, non-commercial place. We visited at about 5:00pm and there was almost no one there. It was our last night in Japan and it was a great way to finish our visit. Love this place!
Entrance to Nezu Shrine is free. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds and gardens without any admission fee. However, special events or areas within the shrine during festivals may have separate charges.
You can get to Nezu Shrine by taking the Tokyo Metro. The closest station is Nezu Station on the Chiyoda Line. From there, it's a short walk to the shrine.
To get to Nezu Shrine from Ueno Station, take the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line to Naka-Okachimachi Station. Then, transfer to the Chiyoda Line and get off at Nezu Station. The shrine is a short walk from there.
Near Nezu Shrine, there are several dining options ranging from traditional Japanese eateries to cozy cafés. Popular choices include soba noodle shops, izakayas (Japanese pubs), and small restaurants offering tempura, sushi, and other local specialties. Many of these establishments are located along the streets leading to the shrine, providing a great opportunity to enjoy local flavors.
