The Secret Shrine in Ginza Tokyo
Located in the heart of the bristling streets of Ginza is an Inari Shrine. Inari is a deity worshipped throughout Japan as a god associated with foxes, rice and business prosperity. There are millions of Inari shrines located throughout Japan but what makes this shrine unique is it hidden location in the midst of Ginza. The exact date this particular shrine was built is unknown but it is said that the shrine has been there from the Edo period (period between 1603 and 1868). Fortunately the shrine was one of the few buildings in Ginza that miraculously survived the Bombing of Tokyo in 1945.
The access to this shrine is so bizarre and an adventure in itself. The shrine is located between 3 or 4 buildings and the only way to get to the shrine are through small alleyways that nobody would dare pass if they did not know about the shrine.
Away from the suffocating main road where you are constantly surrounded by people moving, this place can feel like an oasis in the middle of the city. Passing through the alleys, shown in above pictures, turning 3 or 4 corners you will reach the shrine. At a distance from the street noises of Ginza, in a tight space surrounded by buildings and in front of a shrine could be a perfect place to breathe, pray or space to spend moments of your trip with your partner.
view reference spot images from Instagram
Walking past the pipes behind and between buildings. This spot is such a secret amongst Tokyo enthusiasts that many locals do not know about this shrine too.
This is entrance to the alley and the shrine. Beside this entrance, there’s sign that marks the name of the shrine.
It truly is a sight to see and experience. Traditionally Japanese people will place some small food or snack in front of the shrine as a ritual. Why not try it yourself too!
The shrine is red so you will notice it easily once it is in a distance. A only-in-Japan experience where you find a shrine in between buildings and in busy neighborhood filled with skyscrapers.
Above is the entrance to the shrine, keep on walking through this alley way and where the road takes you, there will be at least 3 turns till you reach the shrine. Below are the pictures of when you reach the shrine.
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