Togo Shrine Tokyo
A serene Shinto shrine in Harajuku, offering a peaceful escape with a tranquil pond and unique Sanrio charms.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Togo Shrine Tokyo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Shinto shrine in Harajuku, offering a peaceful escape with a tranquil pond and unique Sanrio charms.
"A peaceful oasis right next to the hustle of Takeshita street, highly recommended for quiet moments."
🎯 Peaceful Escape Nearby
Find a serene escape from Harajuku's bustle at Togo Shrine.
💰 Good Luck Offering
Offer a five-yen coin for good luck when praying.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tranquil Pond and Koi
Main shrine grounds
A peaceful pond filled with stunning koi fish, offering a moment of calm and beauty.
Sanrio Charms and Omamori
Shrine gift shop
Find unique Sanrio-themed charms and omamori (amulets) for a special souvenir.
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Peaceful Atmosphere
Throughout the shrine grounds
Experience a quiet and serene environment, a stark contrast to the bustling Harajuku streets nearby.
+1Planning Your Visit
Escape the Harajuku Hustle
Respectful Shrine Etiquette
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Peaceful Escape Nearby
Find a serene escape from Harajuku's bustle at Togo Shrine.
💰 Good Luck Offering
Offer a five-yen coin for good luck when praying.
🚶♀️ Walk on the Sides
Stay off the center path; it's for deities.
💖 Sanrio Souvenirs
Look for unique Sanrio charms and amulets.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Peaceful Escape Nearby
Find a serene escape from Harajuku's bustle at Togo Shrine.
💰 Good Luck Offering
Offer a five-yen coin for good luck when praying.
🚶♀️ Walk on the Sides
Stay off the center path; it's for deities.
💖 Sanrio Souvenirs
Look for unique Sanrio charms and amulets.
🎶 Wind Chimes Serenade
Listen to the gentle sounds of glass wind chimes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Togo Shrine for its unexpected tranquility amidst the bustling Harajuku district. It's a welcome oasis offering a peaceful atmosphere, a beautiful pond, and unique Sanrio-themed charms. While some find the Sanrio items sell out quickly, the shrine's serene ambiance and convenient location make it a highly recommended stop.
"🟠🙏🏻 To get to Toga Shrine, go thru Takeshita Street and get to Marion Crepes shop.
➡️ When you see this Marion crepe kiosk, turn LEFT and walk down the path, and eventually, you will see the peaceful Togo Shrine in view.
✳️ This shrine is set away from the bustling Takeshita alley area. 🌳🌳🙏🏻 It is most soothing and calming to be here in the premises of the shrine."
Florence Leow
"An interesting and quiet shrine at the back of the shopping street dedicated to a successful admiral. Supposed to symbolise good luck and victory.
Weirdly enough, they sell hello kitty inspired goshuinchos (see picture) but it was sold out (not surprising).
Their goshuins are NOT hand drawn but there are some special ones if you are looking to collect. 500 Yen each."
Glen
"In the middle of bustling harajuku, the shrine is a serene and peaceful place to visit, there's a pond and small garden to walk around, surrounded by a lot of greenery. the shrine is dedicate to a navy person, and his story is on the wall of the shrine if you like reading history.
a lot of tourist come here because they sell sanrio charms and stamp book at the store here, which makes for a good souvenir for friends and family."
Tracy Loh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Togo Shrine is conveniently located in Harajuku, just a short walk from Takeshita Street. You can reach it via the JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station or the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda and Fukutoshin lines to Meiji-jingumae Station.
Yes, Togo Shrine is very accessible. It's right next to the popular Takeshita Street and within walking distance of Meiji Jingu Shrine, making it easy to combine visits.
From the end of Takeshita Street, take a left and keep walking. You'll find the entrance to Togo Shrine.
Absolutely! Harajuku Station (JR) and Meiji-jingumae Station (Metro) are the closest stations, offering easy access via multiple train lines.
While there might be limited paid parking in the Harajuku area, it's generally recommended to use public transportation due to the busy nature of the district.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Togo Shrine is free. You can wander the grounds and admire the architecture without any admission fee.
Togo Shrine is generally open from early morning until late afternoon or early evening. Specific hours can vary, but it's usually accessible during daylight hours.
Yes, Togo Shrine is known for its unique Sanrio-themed omamori and other charms, though stock can sometimes be limited. +1
The tranquil pond and its surroundings are part of the main shrine grounds and are accessible without an additional fee.
Visitors are expected to be respectful. Avoid loud noises, dress modestly, and follow shrine etiquette, such as bowing at the torii gate and walking on the sides of paths. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can admire the peaceful pond with koi fish, listen to the wind chimes, and explore the shrine's architecture. It's also a popular spot for unique Sanrio-themed omamori.
A visit to Togo Shrine can be quite brief, perhaps 30 minutes to an hour, especially if you're combining it with nearby attractions like Takeshita Street.
Yes, the serene pond, traditional architecture, and unique Sanrio charms offer many picturesque photo opportunities.
Togo Shrine is dedicated to Admiral Tōgō Heihachirō, a celebrated figure in Japanese naval history. It offers a peaceful respite and a glimpse into Japanese culture.
Yes, you can offer prayers and wishes. It's customary to bow before the shrine, offer a coin (like a five-yen coin for good luck), and clap twice before bowing again.
📸 📸 Photography
The tranquil pond with its koi fish, the main shrine buildings, and the various amulets and charms make for excellent photo opportunities.
Generally, photography is allowed on the grounds, but it's always respectful to be mindful of other visitors and avoid intrusive shots, especially during prayer times.
Yes, you can photograph the Sanrio omamori, but be mindful of the shop area and other patrons.
Weekday mornings offer softer light and fewer people, ideal for capturing the shrine's serene atmosphere. Summer evenings can also be atmospheric.
Drones are typically not permitted at shrines and temples in Japan due to privacy and safety concerns. It's best to assume they are not allowed.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The unique Sanrio charms available for purchase can also be a fun and memorable souvenir for kids, blending traditional amulets with characters they love. +1Its proximity to Takeshita Street means you can easily combine a visit to the shrine with the more energetic attractions that appeal to younger visitors, like quirky shops and street food. Remember to teach children about shrine etiquette, such as bowing and walking on the sides of paths, to foster respect for the culture.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The shrine's architecture itself provides classic Japanese photographic subjects.The real draw for many photographers, however, are the unique Sanrio-themed omamori. Capturing these cute, character-adorned amulets against the backdrop of the shrine can result in distinctive and eye-catching shots.
Remember to be respectful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography, particularly in prayer areas. Early weekday mornings are ideal for capturing the shrine's serene atmosphere with fewer distractions. 🛍️ Shoppers & Trendsetters
After browsing the unique boutiques and street style, step into the shrine for a moment of calm and discover its special offerings.The shrine is particularly known for its Sanrio omamori, making it a unique shopping destination for fans of Hello Kitty and other characters.
+1 These charms are a delightful blend of traditional Japanese culture and contemporary pop appeal, offering a souvenir that's both meaningful and trendy. Be aware that these popular items can sell out, so an early visit might be beneficial. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Shrine Etiquette
At the purification fountain (temizuya), you'll find ladles to cleanse your hands and mouth. First, take a ladle with your right hand and pour water over your left hand. Then, switch hands and pour water over your right hand. Next, pour some water into your cupped left hand and rinse your mouth (spit the water out beside the fountain, not back in). Finally, hold the ladle vertically to let the remaining water run down the handle, cleansing it.
When approaching the main shrine building, you might see a donation box. It's common to offer a small coin, often a five-yen coin (go-en), which sounds like 'good fortune' in Japanese. After tossing your coin, ring the bell to alert the deities, bow twice, clap your hands twice, make your wish or prayer, and then bow once more.
The Allure of Sanrio Charms
+1Omamori are traditionally used for various forms of luck or protection, such as for safety in travel, good health, academic success, or romantic fortune. The Sanrio versions combine this traditional practice with the universally recognized appeal of these characters, making them a sought-after item.
It's worth noting that these special items can sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons. If you're keen on snagging a Sanrio omamori from Togo Shrine, it's advisable to visit earlier in the day or on a weekday.
A Peaceful Oasis in Harajuku
+1The shrine features a serene pond filled with koi fish and the gentle sound of glass wind chimes, creating a calming ambiance.
+1 This contrast makes it a perfect spot to pause, reflect, and enjoy a moment of quiet contemplation amidst your Tokyo adventures. Many travelers recommend visiting Togo Shrine specifically to find this pocket of serenity. It's an ideal place to recharge before diving back into the colorful shops and street food of Takeshita Street.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit