Best Temples and Shrines in Tokyo to Add to Your Itinerary

Published · 23 July 2026

Sensō-ji pagoda, Asakusa

Introduction

You have probably already heard of famous Tokyo temples and shrines like Sensō-ji and Meiji Jingu, and of course, they deserve a place on this list. But Tokyo also has a few beautiful hidden gems that many visitors still overlook, from the red torii gates of Hie Shrine to the lucky cats of Gotokuji Temple.

I’ve pinned all the temples and shrines mentioned in this guide on my Ultimate Tokyo Map, which you can find inside my 5-day Tokyo itinerary. You can save the map for your trip and use it to see which stops fit naturally into the area you are exploring that day.

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1. Sensō-ji Temple – Asakusa

Sensō-ji is one of the most iconic temples in Tokyo and one of the best places to experience the city’s traditional side. The visit usually begins at Kaminarimon Gate, with its huge red lantern, before continuing along Nakamise-dori, a historic shopping street lined with stalls selling souvenirs, sweets, and traditional snacks. Inside the temple grounds, you’ll also find Hōzōmon Gate, the main hall, and the five-storied pagoda, making Sensō-ji much more than just a quick photo stop.

Hozomon Gate at Sensō-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo — Hozomon Gate

Interior details at Sensō-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo — Temple interior

Five-story pagoda at Sensō-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo — Five-story pagoda

Location: Asakusa

Best for: traditional Tokyo atmosphere, temple grounds, souvenir streets, and evening photos

2. Meiji Jingu – Harajuku

Meiji Jingu is one of the most peaceful places you can visit in central Tokyo. It sits inside a large forested area between Harajuku and Shibuya, and the walk toward the shrine feels like a complete change of pace from the busy streets nearby.

What makes Meiji Jingu special is not only the shrine itself, but the transition. One moment you are near Harajuku, and the next you are walking under a massive torii gate, surrounded by tall trees and quiet forest paths. It is one of the best places in Tokyo to experience a Shinto shrine without leaving the city center.

Sake barrels at Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo — Sake barrels

Torii gate at Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo — Torii gate

Sake barrels display at Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo — Sake barrels display

Location: Harajuku / Yoyogi

Best for: forest paths, peaceful atmosphere, shrine rituals, and pairing with Harajuku or Yoyogi Park

3. Hie Shrine – Akasaka

Hie Shrine feels like a hidden gem, even though it is located right in central Tokyo. It is not as famous as Sensō-ji or Meiji Jingu, but that is exactly what makes it worth adding to your itinerary. The highlight here is the tunnel of red torii gates, which feels like a smaller and quieter version of the torii gate paths many people associate with Kyoto. The shrine is also connected to Sanno Matsuri, one of Tokyo’s major traditional festivals, giving it more meaning than just being a pretty photo stop.

Red torii gate stairs at Hie Shrine in Akasaka, Tokyo — Torii stairs at Hie Shrine

Walking through the red torii tunnel at Hie Shrine in Akasaka, Tokyo — Walking through the torii gates

Location: Akasaka / Nagatachō

Best for: red torii gates, a quieter shrine experience, and a beautiful hidden stop in central Tokyo

4. Gotokuji Temple – Setagaya

If you love cats, unique temples, or photo-worthy places, Gotokuji Temple is worth adding to your Tokyo itinerary. It is one of the cutest temples in Tokyo and is best known for its many maneki-neko, or lucky cat figures, which make the temple instantly recognizable.

The temple is located in Setagaya, a quieter residential area away from Tokyo’s busiest neighborhoods. From Shinjuku Station, you can take the Odakyu Line to Gotokuji Station and walk from there, so plan for around 25–30 minutes in total depending on connections.

Rows of maneki-neko lucky cat statues at Gotokuji Temple in Setagaya, Tokyo — Lucky cat statues

Gotokuji Temple grounds in Setagaya, Tokyo — Gotokuji Temple

Location: Setagaya

Best for: lucky cats, cute photos, and a quieter local neighborhood feel

✦ Before you go

Don’t forget that you can find all the temples and shrines from this guide pinned on my Ultimate Tokyo Map.

One small thing to keep in mind: temples and shrines in Japan are not just sightseeing spots, but active places of worship. Be respectful, follow any signs about photography, and keep the atmosphere peaceful while you visit.

👉 Read my 5-day Tokyo itinerary and get the Ultimate Tokyo Map here.