A space of healing rooted in the teachings of Confucianism

Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens

Built by Lord Mito Mitsukuni, head of the Mito Tokugawa clan, this strolling landscape garden features miniature mountains and lakes and was designed with balance in mind based on the teachings of Confucianism. With ponds and other features arranged over an undulating landscape, the gardens are beloved by many people as a healing spot for calming the spirit.

3-min. walk from Iidabashi Station on the Toei Oedo Line (to the west gate)

8-min. walk from Suidobashi Station on the Toei Mita Line (to the east gate)

Guardian of downtown Tokyo since Edo times

Kanda Shrine (Kanda Myoujin）

Known affectionately as “Kanda Myoujin,” this shrine is a power spot bringing good fortune as it enshrines three deities: Daikoku-sama, the god of matchmaking and marriage; Ebisu-sama, the god of business prosperity; and Masakado-sama, the god of warding off bad luck.

5-min. walk from Ogawamachi Station on the Toei Shinjuku Line

Two 600-year-old giant ginkgo trees

Tenso jinja (Otsuka)

This shrine is said to have originally been built in the late Kamakura period (1185–1333). Within the shrine precinct and to the right of the Worship Hall stand two 600-year-old giant ginkgo trees. Because the male and female trees face each other, they are known as Meoto-icho (“Ginkgo tree married couple”) and are said to bring good fortune for marriage and matchmaking.

3-min. walk from Otsuka-ekimae Stop on the Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line)

A wonderland of power spots

Nishiaraidaishi

Passing through the imposing Sanmon Gate, you will come across numerous power spots: Shio Jizo (Salt Jizo) (salt offered to the jizo statue is believed to heal warts); Enmei Mizuarai Jizo (Life-Extending Washed Jizo) (pouring water on this jizo statue is believed to grant the blessing of longevity); and the Sacred Worship Site for the Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage (where sand from sacred sites along the 88 Shikoku Pilgrimage and Koyasan has been laid). Visit these power spots and absorb the various auspicious energies.

20-min. walk from Nishiaraidaishi-nishi Station on the Nippori-Toneri Liner

Nadeiwai stone connected to Shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo

Ushi-Tenjin Kitano-Jinja

This shrine was built by Shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo during the Kamakura period (1185–1333). Within the shrine precinct is Nadeiwai (wish-granting ox stone), which is said to grant wishes to those who rub its surface, as well as the Ota Shrine and Takagi Shrine, where the god of performing arts is enshrined; therefore, many people visit the shrine to pray.

10-min. walk from Kasuga Station on the Toei Mita Line and the Toei Oedo Line

10-min. walk from Iidabashi Station on the Toei Oedo Line

A place where you can feel the power of the sacred Mt. Fuji

Ikedayama Park

The power of the sacred Mt. Fuji is said to carry as far as this park. With its differences in elevation, the park abounds with nature, so much so that as you stroll around the grounds you forget you are actually in central Tokyo. Mt. Fuji’s power is also said to rejuvenate the spirit.

15-min. walk from Gotanda Station on the Toei Asakusa Line

15-min. walk from Meguro Station on the Toei Mita Line