Shrine · Nezu / Yanesen

Nezu Shrine 根津神社

One of Tokyo's oldest shrines, with lacquered Edo-period buildings that survived war and earthquake, a tunnel of small red torii and a hillside of 3,000 azaleas that explodes in colour each April.

About

Said to date back some 1,900 years and rebuilt in its present form in 1706 by the fifth shogun Tsunayoshi, Nezu Shrine is a rare, complete ensemble of Edo-period architecture: the vermilion romon gate, karamon gate, lacquered worship hall and intricate transom carvings are all designated Important Cultural Properties. On the west slope, the Otome Inari sub-shrine is approached through a winding tunnel of slim red torii, a mini Fushimi Inari without the Kyoto crowds. The Tsutsuji Matsuri azalea festival (early April to early May) turns the hillside into a quilt of some 100 varieties. Set in the old-town Yanesen district, it pairs perfectly with a wander through Yanaka's lanes.

Highlights

• Edo-era (1706) vermilion gates and worship hall, all Important Cultural Properties
• Senbon torii tunnel leading to Otome Inari
• Azalea hillside of ~3,000 bushes and ~100 varieties
• Koi pond and stone bridges at the entrance
• Gateway to the low-rise Yanaka–Nezu–Sendagi (Yanesen) old town

Tips

• Azalea festival runs roughly early April to early May; the azalea garden has a small entry fee then and is busiest on weekends around Golden Week.
• Go early morning for empty torii photos, the tunnel is narrow and fills fast.
• From Nezu Station Exit 1 it's a 5 min walk; continue north to Yanaka Ginza for snacks.

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

Nearby

• Ryokan SawanoyaStay · 370 m away
• Yanaka Hebimichi (Snake Lane)Photo Spot · 410 m away
• Hachiko and Professor Ueno StatueStatue & Monument · 450 m away
• Yanaka Himalayan Cedar CornerPhoto Spot · 620 m away
• Yayoi Museum & Takehisa Yumeji MuseumMuseum · 640 m away
• Yasuda Auditorium and University of Tokyo Hongo CampusLandmark & Tower · 710 m away
• The University Museum, The University of TokyoMuseum · 710 m away
• Former Yasuda Kusuo House and GardenGarden · 760 m away