While Tokyo's shrines and temples don't compare to those of Kyoto, there are some great ones in the city. Here's a one-day itinerary based on Tokyo's temples and shrines.
Sensoji Temple: pptadd / Shutterstock.com
Tokyo Temple And Shrine Itinerary Summary
- This one-day itinerary includes temples and shrines in Asakusa, Kagurazaka, Kudanshita, Harajuku and Roppongi.
Tokyo Temple And Shrine Full Itinerary
- 9:00: Head up to Asakusa and visit the bustling Senso-ji Temple, the most popular Buddhist temple in the city. After visiting the temple, step next door for a quick look at Asakusa-jinja Shrine.
- 10:30am: Take the Ginza and Toei Oedo subway lines (change at Ueno-Hirokoji) to Ushigome-Kagurazaka Station and get off to explore Zenkoku-ji Temple, another superb and popular temple.
- 11:30am: Take the Toei Oedo subway line and Tozai subway line (change at Iidabashi) and get off at Kudanshita to explore Yasukuni-jinja Shrine, Japan's most controversial Shinto shrine. Be sure to visit the adjoining Yushukan Museum, which presents the Japanese nationalist view of history.
- 1:00pm: Take the Hanzomon subway line from Kudanshita Station to Omote-Sando Station and get off. Eat lunch somewhere in Harajuku. After lunch, walk up Omotesando at visit the sprawling grounds of Meiji-jingu Shrine, which is easily Tokyo's most impressive Shinto shrine.
- 3:30pm: By this time, you'll probably have had enough of temples and shrines. But, if you're still keen, jump on the Chiyoda subway line at Meijijingumae-Harajuku Station and take it two stops west to Nogizaka Station and get off to take a peek at Nogi-jinja Shrine (be warned, it closes at 5pm). This puts you in a good position to walk down into Roppongi, where you can choose from a huge selection of restaurants for dinner.
Recommended Tokyo Hotels
Tokyo Temples vs Kyoto Temples
- As mentioned in the introduction to this itinerary, Tokyo's temples and shrines aren't as impressive or beautiful as those of Kyoto. Most of Tokyo's temples and shrines were destroyed by aerial bombing in WWII, while those of Kyoto survived. Thus, if you plan to visit Kyoto on your trip, there's no need to go out of your way to see temples and shrines in Tokyo. If you are going to Kyoto, I'd suggest only visiting Asakusa's Senso-ji Temple and Harajuku's Meiji-jingu Shrine while in Tokyo.
For ideas about which temples to visit in Kyoto, see Best Temples In Kyoto, Best Shinto Shrines In Kyoto and my own personal top 10 favorite Kyoto temples.
Where Are These Places Located?
See these places on the Truly Tokyo Google map:- Open the Tokyo map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Tokyo Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
- Check Tokyo accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Tokyo
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Tokyo to Osaka and Tokyo to Hiroshima
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare airline flight prices and timings for the best Japan flight deals. Check my guides to arriving at Narita Airport and at Haneda Airport.
- If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Tokyo much easier - here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
