Nezu Shrine in Photos
Nezu Shrine lies in a quiet part of Tokyo. It isn’t as famous as others in the city, but what is there makes up for that. One is the popular Azalea Festival. Another is the history. This place beckons photographers.
Nezu is one of the city’s oldest shrines and said to be the most beautiful. But beauty is subjective, so I’ll leave that decision to you. Anyway, it has many attractive features.
The architecture is beautiful. Fans of Japanese shrines know it is in the gongen or ishinoma-zukuri style. Toshugu in Nikko is the same.
Nezu Shrine is special. Not many buildings in Tokyo have survived for centuries. It’s a short list and this is one. The government has designated it an Important Cultural Property.
The grounds are extensive but not like Sensoji Temple or Meiji Shrine. Still, it needs space. People flood the grounds during the annual Azalea Festival in April. 3000 plants show their colors. This is one of Tokyo’s best flower events.
Nezu is authentic. Tourists don’t overrun the shrine (except during the Azalea Festival). Locals are in the majority. People are there at all times of the day. Some read books, others eat lunch, and some wait for friends to have a chat. Of course, praying is okay too!
Shrine lovers and photographers should place Nezu high on their list of places to visit. Many people I know put this Tokyo jewel in their top ten.
What to photograph at Nezu shrine
- Architecture
- Azalea Festival (pictures from 2025 here)
- Shrine halls
- Sukibei (wall with lattice) around the honden (main hall).
- Torii gates (a favorite of photographers).
- The shrine is in a local area. Above Azalea Hill are private houses. It is suburban Tokyo.
- Otome-Inari shrine, dedicated to the rice goddess.
- A viewing deck to look down upon the pond and the main hall.
Photography tips
- To capture moments or stillness around the shrine, go early in the morning.
- During the azalea festival, ready yourself for crowds.
- No tripods during the azalea festival.
Photo spots near Nezu Shrine
There is much to see near the shrine. I recommend:
- Koishikawa Botanical Gardens
- Ueno
- Yanaka Cemetery
- Yanaka Ginza (shopping street)
A Brief History of Nezu Shrine
- According to records, Nezu was built in Sendagi (a little to the north) in the first century.
- Takeru Yamato dedicated it to Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the god of seas and storms.
- In 1705, Tsunayoshi Tokugawa moved it to its current location. He did this when he chose his successor, Ienobu.
Where is Nezu Shrine?
Address: 1-28-9 Nezu, Bunkyo City, Tokyo
Here it is on a Google map:
Closest train and subway stations:
- Nezu Station or Sendagi Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
- Todaimae Station (Tokyo Metro Namboku Line)
- Hakusan Station (Toei Mita Line)
Entry costs
The shrine is free, but Azalea Hill costs ¥500.
Opening hours
6 AM to 5 PM.
Conclusion
Nezu Shrine is fun to explore, as it is mostly unchanged from its original design. Visitors are sure to get a bunch of great photos. But make sure you go during the Azalea Festival. The flowers on the hill are worth seeing. Leave questions and comments below.
More shrine articles:
External related websites:
- Nezu Shrine (official website)