In “Yanesen” area, you will feel the ambiance of old down town of Tokyo and there are many historical temples and shrines. In this issue we recommend you 4 best shrines to visit in “Yanasen” area. Please enjoy Japanese temples and shrines feeling the ambiance of Yanasen.
If you want to go to Yanaka with the local person, you can also join our tour, “Nostalgic Town Walk Yanaka”. The local guide bring you to Yanaka shopping street and really good shops and cafe not many people know about, and you can try to take Japanese bath (Sento).
1.”Nezu” Shrine, a must see shrine with an important cultural property in “Yanesen”
image source: ウィキペディア
Talking about “Yanesen”, you must not miss “Nezu” Shrine which we introduce in this issue. The history goes back 1900 years, one of the oldest shrines in “Yanesen”. The present buildings such as the main building, the gate, facilities for worship were built in 1706. They are designated as National Cultural Property. It is well known for the beautiful precinct. Every spring “Tsutsuji Matsuri” (a festival of azaleas) is held and many people visit to enjoy 3000 blooming azaleas.
2.”Suwa” Shrin – a shrine for locals
image source: 東京新聞
The history of very old “Suwa” Shrine goes back to 1202. It used to be worshipped as a local guardian so that even today many locals visit the shrine.
At the end of every summer, a summer festival is held where many people carry a portable shrine and dance traditional “Bon Odori” (a summer dance). Usually the area being quiet and peaceful, you can enjoy promenade and relaxing. Let’s taste holy atmosphere of the shrine.
3.”Kan-eiji” Temple – Appreciate its architecture
image source: ウィキペディア
“Kan-ei-ji” Temple built in 1625 is highly recommended to visit. The temple has strong connections with “Kokugawa” clan who once ruled the country. 6 Shoguns (a head of the Samurai) are resting here. Because of its political power behind, the main building is magnificent and definitely worth visiting. Not far from it there is “Kan-non-do” which enshrines a Buddha statue and is remarkable with its red color.
4.Rare and beautiful “Tsukiji-bei” (a plaster wall) in “Kan-non-ji” Temple with full of history
source: http://massneko.hatenablog.com/entry/2016/01/28/183000
The last topic in this issue is “Kan-non-ji” Temple which has been in the area since 1600. The temple is in particular famous for its “Tsukiji-bei” 37.6m long, and a must see. It is a rare wall where mud and clay tiles are alternatively piled up and clay tile roof are placed on top. It is designated as National Cultural Property for its form and unique architecture. From historical point too, it is worth visiting.
≫see more about “Tsukiji-bei” and “Kan-non-ji” Temple
Information about “Yanesen”
・What is “Yanensen”?
“Yanesen” is a collective name of three main areas, “Yanaka”, “Nezu” and “Sendagi”. Having an ambiance of old down town of Tokyo, it recently attracts many local as well as foreign tourists to taste real Japan.
・Direction (to go to main stations of subway or bus)
to “Nippori” Satation: 12 minutes by train from “Tokyo” Station
to “Nezu” Station: 8 minutes by train from “Niju-bashi-mae” Station (which is 8 minutes walk from “Tokyo” Station)
to “Sendagi” Station: 10 minutes by train from “Niju-bashi-mae” Station (which is 8 minutes walk from “Tokyo” Station
・Travel time from Haneda/Narita Airport, “Tokyo” Station
About 40 minutes from Haneda Airport / about 60 minutes from Narita Airport / about 20 minutes from “Tokyo” Station