3 Must-Visit Hidden Historical Spots Around Tokyo Tower When You Feel a Little Tired

Minato-ku has been developed rapidly with the completion of the Tokaido since the Edo period. There are many traditional temples and shrines such as “Zojoji” at the foot of Tokyo Tower, “Shiba Daijingu”, “Atago Shrine”, etc. There are about 40 shrines and 280 temples in Minato-ku. This time, we would like to introduce 3 best historical spots among them. They are a relaxing temple where you will be welcomed by monkeys, a shrine in the office area but with a calming space, and a place where you can purify the body and mind, as well as get power from Inari who sits on a small tumulus. Let’s go outside to charge the mind and body with energy while feeling the coming of spring.

“Eikanin” – The unique temple with many monkeys welcoming you and famous for the tomb of the Dutch scholar Genpaku Sugita

“Eikanin(栄閑院)” was built from 1624 to 1643. It is said that in the Edo period, a thief dressing as a monkey showman escaped into the temple and was converted by a priest, leaving a monkey went to a journey to other countries. But the remaining monkey was loved by the priest and became popular by good show in front of the people. That is why it is also commonly called “Monkey Temple”, and stone statues and carvings of monkeys are arranged inside the grounds. It is very fun to find it on the wooden pillars and roof of the main hall in a treasure hunt mood. On the right side of the main hall there is the tomb of Genpaku Sugita, who is known well for writing “Kaitai Shinsho”. The tomb, which was buried in 1817, is designated as a historic site in Tokyo.

Opening Hours	9:00AM – 5:00PM
Address	3-10-10 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo Prefecture
Access	Hotel Gracery Tamachi: 2 station away from Mita Station on the Toei Mita line, or a 11-minute walk from Onarimon Station Hotel Tavinos Hamamatsucho: 1 station away from Takeshiba Station on the Yurikamome line, or an 18-minute walk from Shiodome Station (8-minute by taxi)

“Mita-Hachiman Shrine” – Producing a sacred air space with over 1,300 years’ history in the corner of the office district

“Mita-Hachiman Shrine(御田八幡神社)” has a calming atmosphere that makes you forget the hustle and bustle of the city, even though it is surrounded by skyscrapers. It is a prestigious shrine that has a strong faith as the god of Mita, Shibaura, Shibaura, and Takanawa. Mita-Hachiman Shrine has a long history, began in 709 when it was enshrined as the god of the current Shirokane Mita area. From the shrine building, which stands densely in the dense greenery, you can feel the depth of faith that has been carefully protected despite being hit by repeated disasters and the strong power that has been watching over the Minato-ku area for many years. There is also a guardian dog stone statue dedicated in 1696 in front of the shrine. The precious statue of the Edo period makes you feel a great historical romance.

Opening Hours	Shrine Office 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Address	3-7-16 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo Prefecture
Access	Hotel Gracery Tamachi: An 8-minute walk from Mita Station Hotel Tavinos Hamamatsucho: 2 station away from Daimon Station on the Toei Asakusa Line, or a 5-minute walk from Sengakuji Station
URL	https://mitahachiman.net

“Yuansan Inari Zuijin Daimyojin”- Inside one of oldest parks in Japan sitting on Tokyo’s largest-level tumuli and best photo spot with the stone steps surrounded by greenery

Reference from 開運幸運！縁起さんぽ “【東京最強パワースポット】皇居の裏鬼門の裏鬼門？！港区芝の「円山随身稲荷」！／芝丸山古墳“

‘Shiba Park’ is one of the oldest parks in Japan and a best photo spot with the view of Tokyo Tower. You will see “Maruyama Inari Zuijin Daimyojin(圓山稲荷随身大明神)” when you take a walk of the park. It sits on the hillside of the Shiba Maruyama Kofun, which is known as one of the largest keyhole-shaped tumuli in Tokyo. This place is said to be located at the back demon gate of “Zojoji”, which is known as the graveyard of Ieyasu Tokugawa. The shrine, which stands in a forest-like space with thick trees, is marked by a small red torii gate. When you pass through the torii gate and climb the stone steps, you will feel as if you are invited to the sanctuary. There is a shrine with a statue of Inari ahead. Although it is compact, you should be fascinated by its overwhelming presence. 70 plum blossoms can be viewed from now to March, and 140 cherry blossoms such as Yoshino cherry trees will be in blossom in the spring.

Opening Hours	*Inquiring
Address	4-8-25 Shiba Park, Minato-ku, Tokyo Prefecture
Access	Hotel Gracery Tamachi: 1 station away from Mita Station on the Toei Mita line, or a 5-minute walk from Shiba Park Station Hotel Tavinos Hamamatsucho: 7-minute by taxi from the hotel