Walk through the iconic Yoshiwara Shrine in Tokyo

Asakusa, Tokyo. In this city that never stops evolving, there is a spot that is currently gaining more attention. The Yoshiwara Shrine in Tokyo appears in a popular Japanese drama that recently aired. Asakusa is known for tourist spots like Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Street, and you can find this quiet, new spot a little ways way. Deep Japanese culture can be found on this land that is rich in history.

Photo by @mitsumasa_diarys

Yoshiwara Shrine was built in 1873. The Yoshiwara area was once a booming red-light district, and this shrine was built to pray for abundance and safety in the area. One of the gods you can pray to at this shrine, Ichikishima Hime no Mikoto, is known to be the god of art and good relationships. Thus, the shrine holds a special place in the hearts of those who do traditional Japanese dance, Japanese performances, and those who want to find good connections. The main character, Juzaburo Tsutaya, in a popular Japanese drama is a real historical figure who cultivated that culture in this area.

Tsutaya, known to be a “genius, spread Japanese art and picture books through his publishing work. The atmosphere of this area is what drove him. Fans love Yoshiwara Shrine because they can see and feel the scenes that were shown in the drama. Although the shrine is not large in size, there are colorful decorations, flower displays, and all sorts of photo-worthy spots. It’s becoming more known on social media as a “hidden spot” in Asakusa. On weekends, you may see fans come through with memorabilia in hand.

Photo by @mitsumasa_diarys

Another reason to visit Yoshiwara Shrine is the surrounding area. What was once a red-light district is now a quiet residential area, but there are still stone streets, old Japanese confectionery shops, training areas for traditional Japanese performances, and spots like these that make you feel like you took a step back in time. You can tell that the people care about the history and have worked hard to preserve it. Although the shrine is a bit of a trek from Asakusa Station, it’s the perfect spot to finish off your sightseeing adventures in Asakusa. Get away from the noise of the city and quietly reflect on your time in Tokyo. It may not be as flashy as everything else in Tokyo, but history is alive here. Add this spot to your itinerary to have a truly unique experience in Tokyo.