Japan Awaits

Step into the spiritual heart of Japan and explore how ancient Shinto beliefs have shaped Japanese culture for thousands of years. This private 3-hour tour takes you to three of Tokyo’s most famous Shinto shrines, led by a professional English-speaking guide who will share fascinating stories about Shinto — a way of life rather than a religion.

You’ll learn about the rituals, legends, and traditions that continue to influence modern Japan, from love and marriage to business success and prosperity.

Why Join This Tour

• Visit three iconic Shinto shrines in Tokyo, each with unique blessings and stories.
• Learn Shinto rituals: how to purify yourself at a temizuya, offer prayers, and understand the meaning behind shrine traditions.
• Discover why ancient Japanese believed honoring deities could prevent natural disasters like tsunamis, typhoons, floods, and volcanic eruptions.
• Enjoy a private, personalized experience tailored to your pace and interests.

Itinerary

1. Meiji-Jingu Shrine – Tokyo’s most sacred Shinto shrine, where the Emperor (head priest of the Shinto religion) is enshrined. Learn about the shrine’s 100-year history, the 100,000 trees planted here, and their deep significance in Shinto beliefs.
2. Shrine of Love & Marriage – A place for blessings in love life and marriage. Hear the traditional Japanese wedding story and its cultural meaning.
3. Shrine of Business Success – Famous in pop culture as a place for career blessings. Japanese pop group AKB48 visits every year, crediting their success to the shrine’s deities.

Note: Shinto spirits are believed to be most present in the morning — another reason this tour starts early.

Availability

Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays (except holidays)
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Meeting point: Harajuku Station (Omotesando Exit), Tokyo

Pricing (Private Option Only)

Please see exact pricing by selecting the number of participants in the booking calendar.

Optional Add-on

Yanaka Old Town Tour (12:00 PM – 2:30 PM)
Extend your experience with a 2.5-hour guided walk through Yanaka, one of Tokyo’s last nostalgic old-town districts, filled with temples, alleys, and a warm shitamachi atmosphere. Includes a short lunch break.

Included

• Professional English-speaking tour guide
• Entrance fees
• Public transportation between the shrines
• Photo opportunities

Excluded

• Food and drinks
• Gratuities (optional)
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Transportation to/from meeting point

Attire

As the shrines in Japan are sacred places, we ask that all guests dress appropriately (no short skirts or shorts, or articles of clothing with an excessive amount of skin exposure). We also recommend smart casual attire with comfortable shoes, as there will be a moderate amount of walking.

Age Requirement

There is no age requirement, but a reservation must be made for all guests, and the cost is the same for all ages.

Payment

All bookings is payable via Stripe (Booking Checkout) or Flywire. Confirmations regarding your booking will be sent at least 10 days before your activity date.

Cancellation Policy

Standard Cancellation Policy

What is Shintoism?

Shinto (神道, Shintō), or kami-no-michi, is Japan’s indigenous belief system, centered on ritual practices that connect present-day Japan with its ancient past.

• Shinto practices were first recorded in the 8th century, but at that time, there was no single “Shinto religion” — rather, it was a collection of native beliefs, traditions, and mythology.
• Today, Shinto is most visible in the form of public shrines dedicated to kami (gods or spirits), each serving a different purpose, from honoring war heroes to celebrating harvests.
• It also includes numerous sectarian organizations and festivals that continue to play a role in modern Japanese life.