Suga Shrine

Suga Shrine is a modest Shinto shrine located in the Suga district of Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo, Japan. The shrine is believed to have been established around 1634 during the early Edo period, though some historical accounts suggest it may have earlier origins. It serves as a local guardian shrine for the surrounding neighborhood and is dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the Shinto deity associated with storms and the sea, along with his consort Kushinada-hime.

The shrine gained widespread recognition in recent years as a featured location in the popular anime film "Your Name" (Kimi no Na wa) directed by Makoto Shinkai. The stone staircase leading up to the shrine served as inspiration for a key scene in the film, drawing anime enthusiasts and film fans from around the world. This cultural phenomenon has transformed the quiet local shrine into an international pilgrimage site for fans seeking to recreate moments from the movie.

Visitors to Suga Shrine will find a compact sacred space typical of neighborhood shrines in Tokyo. The main attraction is the steep stone staircase of approximately 40 steps that provides the iconic viewpoint familiar to fans of the film. The shrine itself features traditional wooden architecture painted in vermillion and white, with a small worship hall where visitors can offer prayers and purchase omamori (protective amulets) and ema (wooden prayer plaques). The surrounding residential area offers an authentic glimpse into everyday Tokyo life away from major tourist districts.

Suga Shrine is accessible via the Yotsuya-sanchome Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, requiring approximately a 5-minute walk from the station. Alternatively, visitors can use Shinanomachi Station on the JR Sobu Line, which is about 10 minutes away on foot. The shrine is open to visitors year-round and has no admission fee, following the standard practice for Shinto shrines in Japan.