The Best Shinto Shrines in Tokyo to Visit For a Little Luck

Published on 2024-01-03

For centuries, individuals have visited Shinto shrines to not only pay respect to kami, a Japanese deity, but to pray for good fortune. Traditionally, at the start of a new year, crowds of people visit Shinto shrines and pray for success in the year ahead. This is known as Hatsumode, ‘first prayer’, and it normally lasts over the first three days of the year. However, it is never too late to go and pay your respects and visit one of Tokyo’s many Shinto shrines.

From shrines dedicated to helping those find love to those which will bring prosperity, here are just six of the best Shinto shrines that you should visit to make your New Year wish:

① Meiji Shrine, Harajuku

Known as one of the major shrines in Tokyo, Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the heart of Harajuku. Established in 1920 to commemorate Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, this Shrine is situated in 170-acres of lush greenery. Given its importance and the fact that Meiji Shrine feels like a world away from the bustling city, it is surprising that millions of tourists and locals visit this famous shrine per year.

The shrine is said to bring good luck to those that visit. Visitors can also buy omamori, a good luck amulet, for different aspects of their lives including good health, academic success, love, good fortune and warding off evil. Notably, the shrine’s “success” omamori is meant to be one of the most powerful in all of Tokyo.

② Tokyo Daijingu, Chiyoda

Tokyo Daijingu is also one of the major shrines in Tokyo. The three enshrined deities, Amaterasu-Sume-Ohkami, Toyouke-no-Ohkami and Yamatohime-no-mikoto, are believed to symbolize virtues of growth and togetherness. In 1900, this Shinto shrine became the first to hold a wedding ceremony. That’s why it has become a popular place for young women looking for love or a good marriage.

③ Hanazono Shrine, Shinjuku

Built in the Edo period by the Hanazono family, this shrine is dedicated to the Inari, the god of fertility and worldly success. Hanazono Shrine is the most famous shrine in the Shinjuku area and is well-known for its Tori no Ichi market, otherwise known as “Rooster Market”. Held every November, these markets primarily sell “kumade” (ornamental rakes), which are bought to bring good luck to those with businesses. It is no surprise then that a lot of businessmen visit this shrine to pray for success.

④ Sakura Jingu Shrine, Setagaya

Sakura Jingu Shrine is a small Shinto shrine located in the Setagaya area which has increasingly become a popular sakura viewing spot. Here, you can buy cherry blossom themed omamori and ema, a small wooden plaque to write wishes on. The shrine is said to bring general luck as well as help cure illnesses and ward off evil as many important deities are enshrined here.

⑤ Atago Jinja, Minato City

Located not too far from Tokyo Tower, Atago Jinja is a Shinto shrine known for bringing work and academic success. Built in 1603 by the first shogun of the Tokugawa Era, Tokugawa Ieyasu, this shrine is dedicated to the god of fire, water, mountains and military.

To achieve success, visitors have to first climb up the 86 stairs, known as the ‘stone steps to success’, to get to the shrine itself. The shrine is also famous for protecting those against natural disasters, increasing chances of finding love and of course, encouraging prosperous business.

⑥ Kameido Tenjin Shrine, Kameido

Kameido Tenjin Shrine is one of the shrines which was built to appease the soul of politician Sugawara no Michizane. This large Shinto shrine is most known for its annual wisteria festival as well as being the subject of one of Hiroshige’s most well-known series of paintings, the “100 Famous Views of Edo”.

The shrine is good for those wishing for academic success, happy households, safe driving and to ward off evil spirits.