Nezu Shrine Tokyo
A tranquil Shinto shrine in Tokyo, famed for its vermilion torii gate tunnel and stunning spring azalea blooms.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere, fewer crowds
Nezu Shrine Tokyo
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil Shinto shrine in Tokyo, famed for its vermilion torii gate tunnel and stunning spring azalea blooms.
"Nezu Shrine is one of Tokyo's oldest and most attractive shrines, offering a peaceful escape."
🎯 Go Early for Azaleas
Arrive before 9:30 AM during azalea season to beat the massive crowds and enjoy the garden.
🚶♀️ Walkable from Ueno
Easily accessible by a pleasant walk from Ueno Park or Nezu Station.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Torii Gate Tunnel
Path leading to the back of the shrine
A mesmerizing tunnel of vibrant vermilion torii gates, offering a picturesque and spiritual walk.
Azalea Garden
Designated garden area
A breathtaking spectacle of colorful azaleas, especially vibrant in late April and early May.
Stone Fox Statues
Scattered throughout the grounds
Numerous stone fox statues, considered messengers of prosperity and protectors of the shrine.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Serenity
Azalea Season: A Double-Edged Sword
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Go Early for Azaleas
Arrive before 9:30 AM during azalea season to beat the massive crowds and enjoy the garden.
🚶♀️ Walkable from Ueno
Easily accessible by a pleasant walk from Ueno Park or Nezu Station.
📸 Insta-worthy Gates
The torii gate tunnel is a prime spot for photos, reminiscent of Kyoto's Fushimi Inari. 
💰 Garden Entrance Fee
The azalea garden has a separate entrance fee of ¥500. Consider if it's worth it for you.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Go Early for Azaleas
Arrive before 9:30 AM during azalea season to beat the massive crowds and enjoy the garden.
🚶♀️ Walkable from Ueno
Easily accessible by a pleasant walk from Ueno Park or Nezu Station.
📸 Insta-worthy Gates
The torii gate tunnel is a prime spot for photos, reminiscent of Kyoto's Fushimi Inari.
💰 Garden Entrance Fee
The azalea garden has a separate entrance fee of ¥500. Consider if it's worth it for you.
🦊 Fox Statues Galore
Keep an eye out for the many stone fox statues, symbols of prosperity and protection.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Nezu Shrine is praised for its historical charm, serene atmosphere, and the iconic torii gate tunnel, offering a peaceful escape in Tokyo. While the azalea garden is a stunning highlight, it can become extremely crowded during peak season, with some visitors noting the entrance fee and printed Goshuin as minor drawbacks.
"I visited Nezu Shrine in February, and the atmosphere was incredibly peaceful with very few people around. The weather was pleasantly cool. Inside, there are several spots for worship, and a key highlight is the long path lined with torii gates, which leads to the back of the shrine. At the end, there are restroom facilities available.
Along the torii path, you’ll also find a small Japanese garden with a waterfall, creating a serene and beautiful setting. I highly recommend visiting if you want a quiet escape from the city. It’s conveniently located near the University of Tokyo."
Busher Pitipat
"I was there early in the morning and it was mildly raining. It’s easily accessible via bus and at a walkable distance from Ueno. There were very few people early in the morning and this place is easily one of the most underrated spots for tourists. It’s beautiful throughout and extremely well maintained."
Ashutosh Dash
"Beautiful shrine during the azaleas 🌺 season (end of April beginning of may) but very overcrowded… Go there very early in the morning (when it opens). I also got the Goshuin (500¥ for the stamp) but they only gave the printed version out so I’m kind of disappointed 😞 There are a lot of food stalls on site so you can also eat there if you want. I didn’t pay to walk through the Azalea Garden and still got really nice pictures, plus the queue is way to long."
Olympe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Nezu Shrine is easily accessible via public transport. Take the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line to Nezu Station, which is about a 5-minute walk away. Alternatively, you can take the JR Yamanote Line to Ueno Station and enjoy a pleasant 15-20 minute walk. Buses are also an option, with stops near the shrine.
Yes, Nezu Shrine is located in Bunkyo ward, a short and scenic walk from Ueno Park. Many visitors combine a visit to the park with a trip to the shrine.
The closest subway station is Nezu Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line. From there, it's a brief walk. You can also reach it from Ueno Station via JR lines.
For convenience and ease, the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line to Nezu Station is highly recommended. It offers direct access and a short walk to the shrine.
Absolutely! Nezu Shrine offers a tranquil escape and beautiful scenery, making it a wonderful addition to any Tokyo itinerary, especially if you're exploring the Ueno area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The main grounds of Nezu Shrine are free to enter and explore. However, the beautiful Azalea Garden has a separate entrance fee of ¥500, especially during the azalea season.
Nezu Shrine is generally open from early morning until late afternoon. The Azalea Garden typically opens around 9:30 AM during its blooming season. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date hours.
No, the iconic tunnel of torii gates is part of the main shrine grounds and is free to access. You can walk through it without any charge.
To experience Nezu Shrine with fewer people, aim for early mornings on weekdays, especially outside of the azalea festival.
Yes, you can obtain a Goshuin (shrine stamp) at Nezu Shrine. However, some visitors have noted receiving printed versions rather than hand-written ones, which may be disappointing.
📸 📸 Photography
The tunnel of vermilion torii gates is a must-capture spot, offering a dramatic and colorful backdrop. The azalea garden in bloom is also incredibly photogenic. Don't forget the charming stone fox statues scattered throughout the grounds. +1
Nezu Shrine is highly regarded for its photographic potential, offering a blend of traditional architecture, vibrant gates, and natural beauty, especially during the azalea season.
Early morning light provides a soft, beautiful glow and fewer people, making it ideal for photography. Late afternoon can also offer lovely light.
Generally, photography is allowed in most areas. However, always be respectful of worshippers and avoid intrusive photography, especially in prayer areas.
The torii gates at Nezu Shrine create a striking tunnel effect, reminiscent of Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, providing a unique and visually appealing experience for visitors and photographers alike.
🎫 🌳 Nature & Gardens
The azaleas at Nezu Shrine typically bloom from late April to early May, creating a spectacular display of color. This is also the busiest time to visit. +1
Yes, Nezu Shrine features a beautiful Japanese garden, most famous for its azalea blooms in spring. It also includes a serene waterfall.
If you appreciate floral beauty, the azalea garden is highly recommended, especially during its peak bloom. However, be prepared for crowds and an entrance fee.
Besides the famous azaleas, the shrine grounds are home to various trees and plants, contributing to its tranquil and natural atmosphere throughout the year.
Nezu Shrine is conveniently located near Ueno Park, which offers extensive green spaces, museums, and a zoo, providing further opportunities to enjoy nature in Tokyo.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the walk from Nezu Station or Ueno Park as part of the adventure. The stone fox statues can also spark children's imagination. It's a good opportunity to introduce them to Japanese culture and history in a less overwhelming setting than some of Tokyo's larger attractions.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+2For the best light and fewer people, aim for early morning visits. The stone fox statues also offer unique compositional opportunities. Remember to be respectful of the shrine's sacred nature and other visitors while you capture your shots.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers Seeking Peace
Take your time to wander through the torii gate tunnel, admire the fox statues, and perhaps find a quiet spot to sit and reflect. The shrine's manageable size makes it easy to explore at your own pace without feeling rushed.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of Nezu Shrine
+1As a Shinto shrine, it is dedicated to deities important in Japanese folk religion. The presence of numerous stone fox statues throughout the grounds is a key characteristic. Foxes are revered in Shinto as messengers of Inari, the deity of rice, sake, and prosperity, symbolizing good fortune and protection.
Despite its historical depth, Nezu Shrine often feels like a hidden gem compared to more famous Tokyo landmarks like Senso-ji or Meiji Jingu. This relative obscurity contributes to its peaceful atmosphere, offering visitors a more intimate connection with traditional Japanese spirituality and history.
Experiencing the Azalea Festival
+1However, the festival's popularity means significant crowds. Visitors are advised to arrive very early, ideally before the garden opens at 9:30 AM, to secure a spot and avoid the longest queues. The entrance fee for the Azalea Garden during this time is ¥500.
While the garden is the main attraction, the surrounding shrine grounds remain accessible and offer a more tranquil experience. Even without entering the paid garden, one can still appreciate the shrine's beauty and capture stunning photos of the torii gates and other features.
Nezu Shrine vs. Fushimi Inari
Nezu Shrine's torii gate path is considerably shorter and more intimate. It offers a beautiful, concentrated visual impact, often described as feeling like a 'hidden Kyoto' within Tokyo. This smaller scale makes it more manageable for a quick visit and provides a different, yet equally captivating, aesthetic.
+1While Fushimi Inari is a major pilgrimage site and a vast natural landscape, Nezu Shrine offers a more compact, serene, and easily accessible Shinto experience within the bustling city of Tokyo. Both are iconic, but cater to slightly different travel preferences and time constraints.
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