Shrine · Nishi-Shinjuku

Kumano Shrine (Shinjuku Juniso) 十二社熊野神社

The tranquil guardian shrine of Nishi-Shinjuku, set at the edge of Shinjuku Central Park beneath the skyscrapers, known for its striking "yatagarasu" three-legged crow goshuin.

About

In the early 15th century a merchant from Kii province, Suzuki Kuro, brought the twelve Kumano deities here from his homeland, giving the area the old name Juniso ("twelve shrines"). In the Edo period the surroundings were a scenic pond and waterfall district with teahouses; today the shrine is an island of trees at the corner of Shinjuku Central Park, with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and hotel towers looming overhead, one of the city's most striking old-meets-new contrasts. Its symbol is the yatagarasu, the three-legged crow messenger of the Kumano gods, which features on charms and colourful seasonal goshuin. The annual festival in mid-September brings mikoshi through Nishi-Shinjuku's office canyons.

Highlights

• Edo-founded shrine of the twelve Kumano deities, tucked under Shinjuku's skyscrapers
• Yatagarasu three-legged crow motif on charms and goshuin
• Next to Shinjuku Central Park and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
• September festival with mikoshi through the business district
• Quiet, leafy break from the Shinjuku crowds

Tips

• Combine with the free observatories at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, about 7 minutes away.
• Tochomae Station (Oedo Line) Exit A5 or Nishi-Shinjuku-gochome Station are the nearest; Shinjuku Station West Exit is 15 minutes.
• Seasonal limited goshuin are popular, check the board by the office.
• Stand by the park side for photos of the torii with towers behind.

Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09

Nearby

• Shinjuku Central ParkPark · 110 m away
• Eau de Vie (Hyatt Regency Tokyo)Bars & Nightlife · 300 m away
• Tokyo Tourist Information Center · Tokyo Metropolitan Government BuildingTourist Info · 340 m away
• Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building ObservatoriesVista & View · 350 m away
• Shinjuku Sumitomo Building (Sankaku Hiroba)Landmark & Tower · 390 m away
• Tokyo Night & Light Projection Mapping from Tomin PlazaPhoto Spot · 410 m away
• Memorial Museum for Soldiers, Detainees in Siberia, and Postwar RepatriatesMuseum · 420 m away
• LOVE Sculpture (Shinjuku I-Land)Statue & Monument · 610 m away