Nezu Shrine (Nezu Jinja) is one of the oldest and most beautiful Shinto shrines in Tokyo, set in the quiet old neighbourhood of Nezu, north of Ueno. Its ornate lacquered buildings date from the early 18th century and survived both the 1923 earthquake and the wartime air raids. It is best known for a winding tunnel of red torii gates and a hillside of azaleas that bloom in spring. Entry is free for most of the year.
Why visit Nezu Shrine
The shrine's traditions are said to go back much further, but the present buildings were completed in 1706 under the fifth Tokugawa shogun, Tsunayoshi. They are built in the elaborate gongen style also seen at Nikko, with a main hall, worship hall and gates connected in one complex and decorated in red, black and gold. Several buildings are designated Important Cultural Properties.
Compared with famous shrines such as Meiji Jingu, Nezu Shrine is smaller and much quieter outside the azalea season. Its setting among old wooden houses and small shops makes it a good starting point for a walk around Yanesen, the name locals give to the connected neighbourhoods of Yanaka, Nezu and Sendagi.
Getting to Nezu Shrine by metro
The closest stations are Nezu and Sendagi on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, each around 5 to 10 minutes' walk from the shrine. Todai-mae on the Namboku Line is also within a walk of about 5 to 10 minutes, on the western side by the University of Tokyo.
- The Chiyoda Line runs through Otemachi and Hibiya, making Nezu easy to reach from central Tokyo.
- From Ueno Park, it is a walk of roughly 20 minutes past the edge of the university and Yanaka.
- Streets around the shrine are narrow and residential, so keep noise down as you walk.
Entry and opening hours
There is no fee to enter Nezu Shrine. During the azalea festival, the azalea garden on the slope charges a small entry fee to help with its upkeep, while the shrine itself remains free. The grounds open in the early morning and close in the late afternoon or evening. Times and festival dates vary from year to year, so check the shrine's official website or a current local listing before visiting.
The usual shrine etiquette applies: bow at the torii, rinse your hands at the purification basin, and keep quiet near the main hall.
Best time to visit Nezu Shrine
The azalea festival, the Tsutsuji Matsuri, runs roughly from early April to early May, when thousands of azalea bushes of many varieties cover the hill beside the shrine. It is the busiest time of year, with food stalls, but the colours are spectacular. Go on a weekday morning to avoid the worst crowds.
Outside the festival, early mornings and late afternoons are peaceful, and the red gates look particularly good in soft light. Allow 30 minutes to an hour for the shrine, longer if you continue on foot through Yanaka.
Highlights at Nezu Shrine
The torii tunnel of Otome Inari
A path lined with closely spaced red torii gates winds up the slope to the small Otome Inari shrine. It is a calmer alternative to the famous gate tunnel at Fushimi Inari in Kyoto, though on weekends you may still wait for an empty photo.
The main buildings
The Romon tower gate, the Karamon gate and the main hall show fine carving and lacquer work. Walk slowly around the courtyard to see the details.
The azalea hill
Even outside the flowering season, the paths on the hillside give a pleasant view down over the shrine roofs and the pond.
The literary connection
The writers Mori Ogai and Natsume Soseki lived in this area, and the neighbourhood is often linked with their lives and work.
Nearby on the same stop
- Yanaka Ginza: a small shopping street with snack stalls and old-style shops, near Sendagi.
- Yanaka Cemetery: a large, peaceful cemetery with cherry trees, walking paths and many temples nearby.
- University of Tokyo, Hongo campus: the red Akamon gate and historic buildings, near Todai-mae.
- Ueno Park: museums, a zoo and Shinobazu Pond, a short walk south.
See what else is around this stop on the Nezu Shrine page, or browse the full Tokyo metro map.