There were 2 entrances available to go to the shrine. We took the stairs from the park which really had a great view of the Cherry Blossoms around. The Shrine was really nice. Loved the silence & how it was surrounded by trees & nature. A great place to visit once in the area.
Large shrine in the middle of town. We didn't go during any specific event, was very empty and quiet. Great view and garden out the back gate. Neat and cozy place to visit. Great 'little' town
Oji Shrine is most famous for its connection to foxes and the annual Oji Fox Parade held on New Year's Eve. According to Edo period legend, foxes from across the Kanto region would gather at a large tree near the shrine before New Year, and locals would judge the coming year's harvest based on the foxes' lantern lights. The shrine is also renowned as a guardian shrine of the Tokugawa shogunate and is popular for prayers related to marriage, matchmaking, and business prosperity.
Take the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line or Tokyo Metro Namboku Line to Oji Station. The shrine is only a 3-minute walk from the station exit. From major areas like Shinjuku or Tokyo Station, the journey takes approximately 20-30 minutes by train. The shrine's convenient location makes it an easy half-day excursion from anywhere in central Tokyo.
No, admission to Oji Shrine is completely free, as is standard practice at Shinto shrines in Japan. Visitors are welcome to explore the grounds, pray at the main hall, and observe the shrine architecture at no cost. Optional purchases include omamori (protective charms), ema (prayer plaques), and omikuji (fortune papers), which typically cost between 300-1,000 yen.
The most popular time to visit is during the Oji Fox Parade on New Year's Eve, when hundreds of participants dressed as foxes process through the streets to the shrine. The shrine's Grand Festival in September is another significant event featuring traditional ceremonies and performances. For a quieter experience, weekday mornings offer peaceful visits with fewer crowds, while autumn provides beautiful foliage surrounding the shrine grounds.
Follow standard shrine etiquette by bowing at the torii gate entrance, purifying your hands and mouth at the temizuya (water pavilion), and offering a prayer at the main hall. Look for the distinctive fox statues throughout the grounds and consider purchasing a fox-themed ema to write your wishes. Take time to explore the smaller auxiliary shrines within the complex and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere under the mature trees that shade the grounds.
