This is not in Kyoto!

One of the things on everyone's bucket list when visiting Japan is getting a shot in front of many torii, the vermillion gates usually seen at Shinto shrines. Torii are said to divide our world and the spirit (kami) world. The most famous path with torii is Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto, but what if you aren't visiting Kyoto or just don't manage to get that ideal shot due to all the crowds? Did you know Tokyo also has several shrines where you can get a similar shot and since these aren't known to many foreigners, you can truly enjoy walking through these red tunnels and take as many photos as you like!! We have also created a Google Maps list.

Anamori Inari Shrine (close to Haneda Airport)

Just a five minute walk from the Anamoriinari Station on the Keikyu Airport Line, Anamori Inari Shrine is dedicated like other Inari shrines to the deity of rice. People come here to pray for wealth, a good harvest as well as fertility.

Kitsune (fox) have become closely associated with Inari and serve as messengers, so you will often see fox statues in the grounds of a shrine or even ceramic ones offered to the "kami."

People also come here to take away sacred sand and at the back of the shrine, you will see many smaller torii that were probably offerings many years ago. *Perfect if you have a flight out of Haneda airport! Details Anamori Inari Jinja Address: 5-2-7 Haneda, Ota-ku, Tokyo Access: 5-min walk from Anamori Inari station

Hie Shrine (Akasaka)

Hie Shrine is a highly respected place of worship in Tokyo and enshrined here is the God of Mt. Hie, Oyamakui-no-kami. Here, the torii line the staircase at the back of the shrine and unlike other shrines, you can see torii all the way, providing wonderful depth to your photos.

Located in the business district of Nagatacho and Akasaka, the shrine is a popular relaxing spot for many office workers. The Sanno Matsuri is held every two years and dates for 2018 are June 7-17. *Just 8 min on the Marunouchi Line from Tokyo Station and 6 min from Omotesando Station* Details Hie Jinja Address: 2-10-5 Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Access: 5-min walk from Tameike-sanno Station, Akasaka-mitsuke Station

Nezu Shrine (Nezu/Yanaka)

Located in a quiet neighborhood, close to Ueno Park, Nezu Shrine is a wonderful escape from the noise of the city and is steeped in history. Considered to be one of the top ten shrines in Tokyo, going on a weekday is your best bet to enjoy the lush surrounding of this idyllic shrine.

The Bunkyo Azalea Festival goes on from around mid-April to the beginning of May. The Azalea garden inside Nezu Shrine's property spans across approx. 6,500 square meters and has around 3,000 azalea plants of 100 species. *Close to Yanaka Ginza and Ueno's Shinobazu Pond* Details Nezu Jinja Address: 1-28-9 Nezu, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Access: 4-min walk from Todaimae Station, 6-min walk from Nezu or Sendagi Station

Hanazono Inari Shrine (Shinjuku)

Located in the premises of Hanazono Shrine is Itokuinari Jinja. Recognized as a power spot to those in the know, it is believed to provide divine favor in bringing about successful matchmaking, pregnancies and harmony between married couples. The red torii (gates) may give you just that sensation of stepping into a tunnel to a different world.

Torinoichi is an annual festival held here in November. As many as 600,000 people get together for this event. You will see many street stalls selling Kumade, a lucky charm for prosperity in business. *Stop by after shopping in Shinjuku or before a night out in Golden Gai or Kabukicho* Details Hanazono Jinja Address: 5-17-3 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Access: 5-min walk from Shinjuku-sanchome station or Shinjuku Station Add this Google Maps link to your own maps! https://goo.gl/maps/ro37ZPMwJ8L2 Hope you get the shot of your dreams in front of these ever impressive torii!

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