Overview
Central Tokyo at its finest, the area that is Minato City Ward is home to embassies, multi-national corporations and international leanings. Its temples and shrines feature as part of that cosmopolitism with their feudal histories and samurai legacies. Here is an introduction to some of the temples and shrines of Minato and how to reach them.
Hiroo Inari Shrine
Once a place to rest for the second Tokugawa shogun, Hidetada, during his many falconry expeditions, Hiroo Inari Shrine eventually became known for its mid-19th century dragon ink painting. The painting has been registered as an Important Cultural Property of the ward and requires permission from the shrine staff to access and see.
A 2-minute walk from Hiroo Station on the Hibiya Line.
Karasumori Shrine
There seems to be a trend in the area to either placate the wild spirit of Taira no Masakado, the rebel who declared himself the new emperor in the 10th century, or to honour those who defeated him. Karasumori Shrine, a local backstreet shrine, was built with the latter in mind, enshrining the fox deity who helped legendary Fujiwara no Hidesato defeat the 'New Emperor'.
A 2-minute walk from Shimbashi Station on the Ginza or Toei Asakusa Line.
Nogi Shrine
Imbued with the sense of honour and self-character of its namesake, the hauntingly beautiful Nogi Shrine enshrines the spirits of General Nogi and his wife, Shizuko. After the passing of their Emperor Meiji, the two ended their lives here in the traditional manner, leaving a lasting impression of the power of self-discipline from a time not long passed.
A 1-minute walk from Nogizaka Station on the Chiyoda Line.
Zojo-ji Temple
As impressive a display of regal architecture in central Tokyo if there ever was one, Zojo-ji Temple was once the family temple of the Tokugawa shoguns. Situated in the famous Shiba Park, the temple's mausoleum originally entombed six of the shoguns while the small museum details the original mausoleum designs before the advent of the Second World War.
An 8-minute walk from Shibakoen Station on the Mita Line.
