Togo Shrine [Tokyo]

【Togo Shrine summary】

Togo Shrine was built in 1940. The shrine is dedicated to Admiral Heihachiro Togo, a Meiji-era naval general and Commander-in-Chief of the Combined Fleet. After Togo Heihachiro’s death in 1934, there were many requests from all over Japan for a shrine to honor him, and the shrine was built at the current location where the Ikeda family, former lords of the Tottori domain, used to live.

It is located adjacent to Harajuku Takeshita-dori. After about 2 minutes from Harajuku Station, you will see a side street on the left with a torii gate. Takeshita-dori is a 350-meter-long shopping street in the center of Harajuku and is a pedestrian paradise during the daytime. Even early in the morning, Takeshita-dori was crowded.

【Togo Shrine road approaching a shrine】

The Omotesando approach is on the opposite side from Takeshita-dori. Personally, I felt it was better to visit the shrine from here, even if it is far away.

Because the road was closed even after passing through the torii gate, we did not proceed straight ahead, but went up the slope diagonally to the left.

【Togo Shrine precincts】

As you climb the hill, you will see the shrine gates. All are well-maintained and have a solemn and solemn atmosphere.

The hand-watering basin was a gourd.

The shrine pavilion is located at the end of the approach paved with beautiful stones. The shrine was destroyed by fire in an air raid in 1945, but was rebuilt in 1964.

【Togo Memorial Hall and Japanese Garden】

It is adjacent to Togo Shrine and seems to be a wedding hall and cafe, not a museum or archive. Unfortunately, as I visited early in the morning, I could not enter the memorial hall or the Japanese garden. Next time I would definitely like to take a stroll, but the timing may be difficult since the public is not allowed to enter in case of weddings.

【Togo Shrine GOSHUIN】

【Togo Shrine Nearby attractions】

Meiji Jingu Shrine, Hatomori-Hachiman Shrine, Shinjuku Gyoen, Nogi Shrine

Meiji Jingu Shrine [Tokyo]

Nogi Shrine [Tokyo]

【Togo Shrine Access】

Manager’s Comments

Although the shrine is located in Tokyo, it is so quiet that it is hard to believe that you are near Harajuku. The precincts of the shrine have a charming quietness that makes you forget the hustle and bustle of the city. If Japan had been defeated by the Russian Empire, it is possible that Japan today would be a Far Eastern state with Russian language spoken all over the place. Today, Japan is able to live in peace thanks to the people who risked their lives for this country back then. With heartfelt gratitude, I am constantly reminded of how I myself can repay this country.

scenery

 (3.5)

ambience

 (3.5)

access

 (4.5)

my opinion

 (3.5)

Togo Shrine

1-5-3 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan

※Paid parking available

About 3 minutes walk from Harajuku Station

参考

東郷神社

東郷神社

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