Located amid the busiest area of the city, the Chiba Shrine is a brilliant example of Japanese architecture and landscaping. Awash in a fiery red and dedicated to the Shinto deity 'Myoken', the shrine was built in the year 1181 and holds a lot of religious significance. Well-preserved even today, the shrine is surrounded by idyllic Japanese gardens dappled with glistening Koi fish ponds and arched bridges. From worshippers, those who wish to admire the remarkable architecture, to those who simply wish to experience peace amid the bustle of the city, the Chiba Shrine is visited by hundreds of locals and tourists alike.
Memorializing Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, this Shinto shrine was originally constructed in 1920 at the site of an iris garden known to have been favored by the royal couple. Ascending the throne in 1867, Emperor Meiji spearheaded the Meiji Restoration, drawing Japan from the veils of feudalism. The traditional nagare-zukuri shrine is built amid an evergreen forest comprised of numerous trees from across Japan; a token of gratitude donated by the people. Simple, yet elegant, the Meiji Jingū is isolated from the bustle of Tokyo, its verdant shroud softening the sounds of the vibrant metropolis. Nearby lies the enchanting inner garden, a field of iris blooms in June. The Imperial Treasure House at the shrine also exhibits the coronation carriage and several other intriguing mementos. What stands today is a reconstruction of the original shrine, built in 1958 after its predecessor sustained severe damage during World War II.
The Tokyo National Museum displays a bevy of sculptures, paintings, calligraphy, archaeological objects and other decorative arts. Divided into sections spanning Japanese as well as Korean and Chinese art, the museum's collections are nothing short of artistic preservation of Asian history and culture. Exhibitions, lectures, gallery talks and workshops are held regularly, so visitors can gain access to some valuable information about the world's largest continent. The museum also stores historical documents dating back to the 10th and 11th Centuries.
This striking Buddhist temple is one of Tokyo's oldest, dating back to 645 CE and dedicated to the Goddess Kannon. According to legend, in 628 CE, two brothers discovered a small statue of the goddess in the Sumida River, which miraculously returned to them each time the idol was submerged. The magnificent Kaminarimon, or Thunder Gate, guards the approach to Kinry-Zan Sens-Ji, its most distinguishing feature being a massive paper lantern painted in red and black to resemble a storm cloud. Beyond this is the Nakamise, a colorful path lined with stalls selling crafts and snacks. The temple is a magnificent sight in itself; its main hall is a grand spectacle replete with intricate details, and large paper lanterns strung from the ceiling are held up by towering columns. The shrine, set alongside a five-tiered pagoda, is a vibrant place of worship and one of the city's most well-known.
A millennium ago or so the legend goes, the Hirokuma brothers found the statue of Kannon (the Bodhisattva of Mercy - the deity alleged to have great powers in purifying people and granting them true happiness) in their fishing nets, and the village chief dutifully enshrined it. The Asakusa Shrine was thus established in 1649 and the three persons in the legend were consecrated as gods of the shrine, hereby earning it the nickname Sanja-sama (the shrine of the three gods). Undoubtedly one of the most famous shrines in Tokyo, it also hosts the Sanja Festival in May.
Nestled in the recesses of Nagatachō, the iconic Hei Shrine upholds the spirit of the Shinto school. The temple enshrines Oyamakui-no-kami, its architecture comprising traditional elements like pointed roofs and scarlet, lacquered furnishings. Dating back to 1478, this revered shrine was originally built inside the Edo Castle to serve as protection from enemies. It was moved to its present site in 1659, with its role as guardian of the palace unfazed and unchanged. Although the facade is insignificant concrete, the torii gate bears inscriptions and glorious images of monkeys, which are believed to be messengers of the shrine's deity. A fine collection of Tokugawa swords and other relics are also on display in the shrine museum. An iconic sanctum in the midst of Tokyo's cosmopolitan din, the shrine does not just reverberate with an ardor which has shaped the religious course of the country, but also carries within itself legendary traces of the Kamakura eon.
Aoyama Gakuin University's history dates back to 1874 when a few missionaries started three schools in Shibuya which merged to form the university in 1949. One of the esteemed Christian educational institutions in Japan, it offers undergraduate and graduate courses to its students while also giving on campus housing facilities. Aoyama houses nine faculties and 23 departments from the Arts, Commerce and Science fields. It has two campuses, the Aoyama and Sagamihara. The Aoyama Campus is located in the Shibuya neighborhood and is the original site since it was a part of Aoyama Gakuin's foundation. Spanning 29.65 acres (11.99 hectares) with many trees, it has a quiet and charming look to it. While Sagamihara was built in 2003 and is situated in its namesake locality, this extensive campus has nineteen buildings and is abode to the Science and Engineering, and Social Informatics centers.
Memorializing Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, this Shinto shrine was originally constructed in 1920 at the site of an iris garden known to have been favored by the royal couple. Ascending the throne in 1867, Emperor Meiji spearheaded the Meiji Restoration, drawing Japan from the veils of feudalism. The traditional nagare-zukuri shrine is built amid an evergreen forest comprised of numerous trees from across Japan; a token of gratitude donated by the people. Simple, yet elegant, the Meiji Jingū is isolated from the bustle of Tokyo, its verdant shroud softening the sounds of the vibrant metropolis. Nearby lies the enchanting inner garden, a field of iris blooms in June. The Imperial Treasure House at the shrine also exhibits the coronation carriage and several other intriguing mementos. What stands today is a reconstruction of the original shrine, built in 1958 after its predecessor sustained severe damage during World War II.
Located in Odaiba, on a huge reclaimed area of land in Tokyo Bay developed during the 1980's bubble economy era, the MegaWeb not only has showcase areas for Toyota's latest models and a small car museum, it also boasts one of the largest Ferris Wheels in the world. Peek into the future at Future World. The area is very popular among the trendy youth so expect crowds and queues on weekends.
Opened in 1873 at the top of Ueno Hill, Tokyo's first public park houses several world-class museums, a popular zoo, shrines, temples, a rental boat lake, historical monuments, hundreds of cherry blossom trees, and a lotus pond. Ueno Park, being Tokyo's largest, has so much to offer that a day would not be enough. Whether you come here alone to spend some time in solitude or bring along your family to spend quality time with them, you won’t be disappointed with the umpteen offerings of this gorgeous park.
The Tokyo National Museum displays a bevy of sculptures, paintings, calligraphy, archaeological objects and other decorative arts. Divided into sections spanning Japanese as well as Korean and Chinese art, the museum's collections are nothing short of artistic preservation of Asian history and culture. Exhibitions, lectures, gallery talks and workshops are held regularly, so visitors can gain access to some valuable information about the world's largest continent. The museum also stores historical documents dating back to the 10th and 11th Centuries.
The fifth Shogun Tsunayoshi was responsible for establishing this shrine in 1706. The particular style of architecture here is known as gongenzukuri. Because the majority of the structures are original, the shrine is now an important cultural property. Buddhist influences can be seen in the motifs incorporated in the two-story main gate. The extensive grounds include a shrine stage (kagura-den), massive Cedar and Gingko trees, and a carp pond. The shrine is also noted for its wisteria and its azaleas; a great time to visit is during the Azalea Festival, which is held between April 8th and May 5th annually.