Sensoji

Perhaps the most famous temple located in Asakusa established in 645 AD, Sensoji is a must visit for the first-time Japan visitors. The Nakamise area leading up to the temple is picturesque, bustling with tourists and locals alike. One tip, almost everything along the Nakamise area is overpriced, thus if you are looking for souvenirs for your friends and family, I’d highly recommend shopping outside the Nakamise area. The Sensoji is 40 minutes by train from the hotel.

Meiji Jingu

Tokyo Daijingu is a shinto shrine, also known as ‘Oise-sama of Tokyo’. Tokyo Daijiungu is famous for ensuring the ancestral deity of “Amaterasu Sume Ohkami” and the “Toyoukeno Ohkami”, both originally enshrined at Ise Shrine in Mie Prefecture. Besides the two gods of Ise, Tokyo Daijingu also hosts three deities of creation and development, which is said to help bring good marriage and relationship to those who visit and pray at the shrine. Tokyo Daijingu is about 30 minutes by subway from the hotel.

Yasukuni Shrine

Yasukuni Shrine is a relatively new shinto shrine founded by the Meiji Emperor in 1869. Setting aside the political controversy, Yasukuni Shrine commemorates those who have died in service of Japan from Boshin War (1868-1869) to World War II. During both the spring and autumn, Yasukuni Shrine has festivals featuring ‘mikoshi’ along with various yatai (food stands) along the main corridor. Those stands generally only accept cash, so make sure to have a few extra yen if you’d like to have the full experience. Yasukuni Shrine is about 40 minutes by subway from the hotel.

Suitengu Shrine

Suitengu Shrine has its origins in Kurume on the island of Kyushu and was transferred to the current Tokyo location in 1818. The shrine hosts four gods, with Ammenominakanushino Ohkami as the main diety who has blessings for safe childbirth for expecting mothers and hopeful couples looking to welcome a new life. The shrine is famous for the statues of dogs, which is thought to bring luck when you pet the statues. During the “Inu-no-hi” (the day of dog), which is the best day for praying for safe childbirth, the shrine is packed with couples and families. Suitengu Shrine is about 20 minutes by subway from the hotel.

Ookunitama Shrine

Located in the outer city of Fuchu within Tokyo Prefecture, Okunitama Shrine is one of the five major shrines of Tokyo area, alongside Tokyo Daijingu, Meiji Jingu, Yasukuni Shrine, and Hie Shrine. The shrine was established in the current position in 645AD, but legends have it originating as early as 111AD. The famous autumn festival, ‘Kuri Matsuri’ (or chestnut festival), which happens on the 27th and 28th of September each year, celebrates the harvesting season for chestnuts. During the festival, the shrine is lit with over 280 lanterns elegantly lighting up the yatai (food stands) and other vendors. Ookunitama Shrine is about 75 minutes by train from the hotel.