Ikebukuro Hikawa-jinja, Shinto shrine in Japan

Ikebukuro Hikawa-jinja is a small Shinto shrine nestled in a busy urban district that provides a quiet retreat from surrounding streets. The grounds feature a simple wooden main building, a bright red torii gate as the entrance marker, and mature trees with stone lanterns that create a small green space apart from the city.

The shrine traces its origins back to the 16th century, though the current structure was rebuilt after damage during World War Two. Since then, it has remained a steady fixture in the neighborhood, sustained through local donations and care from residents who maintain its traditional style.

This shrine serves as a gathering place where locals practice traditional Japanese customs that remain part of daily life. Visitors witness people bowing, clapping to gain the deity's attention, and leaving written wishes, all customs that connect them to centuries-old spiritual practices.

The shrine is approximately seven minutes on foot from Shimo-itabashi Station on the Tobu Tojo Line, making it easily accessible. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes for walking the grounds and climbing the small mountain feature, and can plan their visit flexibly throughout the day as the shrine grounds are freely accessible.

The shrine features a fujizuka, a small constructed mountain that represents the sacred Mount Fuji, allowing worshippers to honor it without leaving the city. This distinctive element demonstrates how Shinto practices were adapted for urban spaces to keep ancient traditions alive in modern Tokyo.

• Location: Toshima-ku
• GPS coordinates: 35.74364,139.71123
• Latest update: February 9, 2026 08:23