Carved into the vermilion wood a plaque proclaims Nezu Shrine. This isn’t just any shrine. It stands as one of Tokyo’s oldest. Its history whispers through the ages. Legend speaks of its founding in the 1st century by Yamato Takeru. He established it in Sendagi. This was just north of its current location. The shrine’s main deity is Susanoo-no-Mikoto. He’s the powerful kami of the sea and storms. However the shrine we see today. This is a later iteration. The fifth Tokugawa shogun. Tokugawa Tsunayoshi relocated it in 1705. This was to Nezu. His successor Ienobu made it his guardian shrine.
The Nezu Shrine is breathtaking. Its buildings are a marvel of Ishi-no-ma-zukuri style. This is a unique Shinto architectural design. The main hall the honden. This is connected to the worship hall the haiden. The offertory hall the heiden is also included. All are linked under one roof. Each part is an Important Cultural Property. The shrine is a treasure. It survived the 1923 Kanto earthquake. It was also spared during the 1945 firebombing of Tokyo.
Before you stands a two-storied rōmon. This is a magnificent tower gate. It’s a blend of Shinto and Buddhist styles. Notice the two zuishin. They guard the gate. These are statues of kami warrior guardians. They hold bows and arrows. A plaque on the rōmon boldly declares Nezu-jinja. The rōmon was built in 1706. It is also designated an Important Cultural Property. Look closely at the karamon. This is the Chinese gate. Next to it runs the sukibei. This is a 200-meter lattice-windowed wall surrounding the honden. Both structures built in 1706 are also Important Cultural Properties.
Emperor Meiji sought the shrine’s divine intervention. He did this when he moved to the Tokyo Imperial Palace. He sent envoys to beseech the gods. The vibrant azalea festival further elevates the shrine’s beauty. This is a stunning spectacle. It fills the grounds from early April to early May.
The Nezu Shrine is more than just a place of worship. It is a living testament to history. It is a symbol of resilience. It’s a place of profound beauty. It is a site you will remember long after you leave its sacred grounds. This makes it one of Tokyo’s hidden gems.