Akasaka Hikawa Shrine Tokyo
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Akasaka Hikawa Shrine Tokyo

4.4
·3k reviews·Minato City, Japan

A serene Shinto shrine dating back to 1730, known for its ancient ginkgo tree and unique cherry blossom fortunes.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Akasaka Hikawa Shrine Tokyo

Akasaka Hikawa Shrine Tokyo

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene Shinto shrine dating back to 1730, known for its ancient ginkgo tree and unique cherry blossom fortunes.

4.4
(3k reviews)

"A peaceful oasis with a majestic ancient ginkgo tree and charming cherry blossom omikuji."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Shrine Etiquette Basics

Bow before the torii gate & walk on the sides, not the center path.

🌸 Unique Omikuji Experience

Try the cherry blossom-themed omikuji for a fun fortune-telling experience.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.4 · 2,873 reviews

Type

Place of Worship

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ancient Ginkgo Tree

Ancient Ginkgo Tree

Shrine grounds

A majestic, centuries-old ginkgo tree stands as a silent guardian, offering shade and a sense of timelessness.

Cherry Blossom Omikuji

Cherry Blossom Omikuji

Fortune-telling area

Experience a unique twist on fortune-telling with charming cherry blossom-themed omikuji (fortunes).

Red-Brown Shrine Architecture

Red-Brown Shrine Architecture

Main shrine building

Admire the traditional Shinto architecture, characterized by its striking red-brown hues and intricate details.

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Planning Your Visit

Respectful Shrine Etiquette

Learn the proper way to enter and behave at Akasaka Hikawa Shrine. Avoid walking in the center path, which is reserved for deities, and always bow before passing through the torii gate. Understanding these customs ensures a respectful visit. TikTok

Best Time for Photos

Visit during quieter hours to capture the serene beauty of the shrine and its ancient ginkgo tree. Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, perfect for photography enthusiasts. Instagram

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

NEVER do this at Japanese shrines! Seriously... 🛑⛩️ Most tourists visit shrines in Japan without knowing these essential rules of respect. I’m sharing these sacred shrine etiquette tips that Japanese ...
@luxuwell.japan
474K likes • 3.7M views

🎯 Shrine Etiquette Basics

Bow before the torii gate & walk on the sides, not the center path. TikTok

🌸 Unique Omikuji Experience

Try the cherry blossom-themed omikuji for a fun fortune-telling experience. Instagram

Akasaka Hikawa Shrine. Landmark Shinto site built in 1730, featuring a red-brown shrine & a large, ancient ginkgo tree. 6 Chome-10-12 Akasaka, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0052
enriquedominguez274
50 likes • 431 views
📍Akasaka Hikawa Shrine, Tokyo Roppongi Did you know this unique shrine with cherry 🍒 Omikuji?☺️ After you pick up an Omikuji and read your fortune telling and the advice on the paper, you could tie...
ramune_in_tokyo
1.3K likes • 26.3K views

📸 Capture the Ginkgo Tree

The ancient ginkgo tree is a stunning photo opportunity, especially in autumn. Instagram

🏮 Hikawa Festival Vibes

If visiting in summer, catch the lively Hikawa Festival with food stalls and Bon Odori. Instagram

⭐️⸜( ◜࿁◝ ⸝︎︎ I still get Akasaka and Asakusa mixed up all the time. 📍Places featured in video: ⛩️ Nogi Shrine / 乃木神社 ☕️ @hacienda_coffee_ 🏮 Akasaka Hikawa Shrine / 氷川神社 🍜 Nurungji / ヌルンジ赤坂店 ॱ⋅.˳˳.⋅˙...
blindsaayintokyo
869 likes • 26K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Shrine Etiquette Basics

Bow before the torii gate & walk on the sides, not the center path. TikTok

🌸 Unique Omikuji Experience

Try the cherry blossom-themed omikuji for a fun fortune-telling experience. Instagram

📸 Capture the Ginkgo Tree

The ancient ginkgo tree is a stunning photo opportunity, especially in autumn. Instagram

🏮 Hikawa Festival Vibes

If visiting in summer, catch the lively Hikawa Festival with food stalls and Bon Odori. Instagram

📍 Location Clarity

Don't confuse Akasaka Hikawa Shrine with Asakusa! They are different locations. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.4
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Akasaka Hikawa Shrine for its serene atmosphere, the impressive ancient ginkgo tree, and the unique cherry blossom omikuji. It's considered a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle, offering a glimpse into traditional Japanese culture. Some find it a bit small, but its charm lies in its quiet beauty and historical significance.

"It's a beautiful shrine. Quiet and solemn. We had a wonderful time here but we visited at night time. The lighting was nice and we had a good stroll 😊"

Dianne Rodriguez

"Great beautiful place to visit and pray for good health!

From the website;
Akasaka Hikawa Shrine has been in existence for over 1,000 years and is a place of strong faith for protection from misfortune and for finding love. The main shrine, built by Tokugawa Yoshimune, has survived numerous earthquakes and war damage and remains in its original form to this day. Within the lush grounds, there are torii gates, lion-dog statues, and lanterns engraved with the Edo era names, and the shrine is a rare sight in Tokyo that still retains many scenes from the Edo period."

KIICHIRO KOBORI

"Quiet in the middle of the city shrine. I came at the opening time which was very quiet on Sunday and I appreciated the fact that I was salone and I was able to see everything without having to deal with other people. Just a beautiful quiet shrine within the city, which was a perfect way to spend a Sunday."

MH Apin

What People Like

Peaceful atmosphere
Ancient ginkgo tree
Unique omikuji

What People Dislike

Can be small

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Akasaka Hikawa Shrine is easily accessible by public transport. The nearest stations are Akasaka Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line) and Akasaka-mitsuke Station (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi and Ginza Lines). From either station, it's a short walk to the shrine. Instagram

Yes, Akasaka Hikawa Shrine is located in the Akasaka district, which is adjacent to Roppongi. It's a convenient stop if you're exploring the Roppongi area. Instagram

From Shibuya, take the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to Akasaka-mitsuke Station. The journey is direct and takes approximately 10-15 minutes. Instagram

While driving is possible, parking in the Akasaka area can be challenging and expensive. Public transportation is generally recommended for ease of access. Instagram

Many hotels in the Akasaka and Roppongi areas are within walking distance, making it a convenient destination for a morning or evening stroll. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Akasaka Hikawa Shrine is free to enter. You can explore the grounds and admire the architecture without any admission cost. Instagram

The shrine grounds are generally open from early morning until dusk. Specific building hours may vary, but the outdoor areas are accessible throughout daylight hours. Instagram

Yes, you can purchase omikuji at Akasaka Hikawa Shrine. They offer a unique cherry blossom-themed option for a fun experience. Instagram

Absolutely! The Hikawa Festival, held in the summer, is a vibrant event with a night market and Bon Odori dance. Instagram

While the grounds are generally accessible, it's respectful to avoid visiting very early in the morning or late at night when the shrine is likely closed or being prepared for the next day. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The ancient ginkgo tree is a prime subject, especially during autumn. The red-brown shrine buildings and the torii gates also make for beautiful shots. Instagram

Photography is generally permitted on the shrine grounds, but it's always best to be discreet and respectful. Check for any posted signs regarding photography inside specific structures. Instagram

Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer, more flattering light, minimizing harsh shadows and reducing crowds for a more serene photographic experience. Instagram

The cherry blossom-themed omikuji offers a charming and unique photo opportunity, capturing a blend of tradition and seasonal beauty. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted at religious sites in Japan to ensure the peace and safety of visitors. It's advisable to avoid flying drones here. TikTok

🎫 ⛩️ Onsite Experience

The ancient ginkgo tree is a prominent natural landmark at the shrine, symbolizing longevity and resilience. It's a focal point for visitors and adds to the shrine's serene atmosphere. Instagram

Key etiquette includes bowing before the torii gate, walking on the sides of the path (not the center), and purifying your hands and mouth at the temizuya before approaching the main hall. TikTok

Yes, after reading your fortune, you can tie your omikuji onto designated racks or branches, often as a way to leave behind bad luck or to express wishes. Instagram

While it's a recognized landmark, it's often less crowded than major tourist shrines, offering a more tranquil experience that appeals to both locals and visitors seeking peace. Instagram

The shrine offers a peaceful and spiritual ambiance, enhanced by its historical architecture and the presence of the ancient ginkgo tree. It's a great escape from the city bustle. Instagram

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