Sep 22, 2015 - 1 min read

Hidden Garden in Harajuku

The surprising grounds of the Togo Shrine

By Mandy Bartok

Community writer

A bridge in the small garden next to the Togo Shrine

A small waterfalls tumbles down the far bank

An event hall and cafe stands at the garden's edge

The garden isn't large but is carefully tended and has many elements of older, more traditional gardens

A three-legged lantern sits at the edge of the pond

Another lantern can be seen against the backdrop of the event hall's evening lights

The Togo Shrine itself is popular for weddings

The crest carved into the doors of the Togo Shrine

The Togo Shrine, dedicated to one of Japan's greatest naval admirals, lies just off the chaotic and cramped thoroughfare of Takeshita Street (Takeshita-dori) in Harajuku. Yet its inner courtyard and grounds provide a quiet sanctuary from the bustle of the boulevards nearby. Don't miss the lovely Japanese-style garden to the east of the main shrine. A pond, a wooden bridge, a trellis and a few lanterns all combine to make a picturesque scene, especially when the lights of the shrine's event complex shine on the water's surface. The garden is little-visited and the perfect place to gather your courage before returning to the crush of the Harajuku neighborhood.