Experience Overview
Step into the spiritual traditions behind everyday life in Japan on this 3-hour guided tour of three distinctive Shinto shrines in Tokyo.
With a professional English-speaking guide, learn about Shinto, Japan’s indigenous spiritual tradition, and explore how purification, prayer etiquette, nature, relationships, work, prosperity, and other shrine customs remain part of modern Japanese life.
Experience Highlights
Visit Three Shinto Shrines
Explore three distinctive shrines and discover the traditions, stories, and blessings associated with each one.
Learn Shrine Etiquette
Understand basic purification practices, prayer customs, and how to approach and enter a shrine respectfully.
Understand Shinto in Daily Life
Explore connections between Shinto traditions and nature, community, family, relationships, work, and prosperity.
Learn with an English-Speaking Guide
Gain cultural context throughout the experience and ask questions about the customs and traditions you encounter.
Tour Schedule & Add-ons
Included & Not Included
Included
- Professional English-speaking tour guide
- Entrance fees for scheduled sites included in the itinerary
- Public transportation between the shrines during the tour
- Photo opportunities throughout the experience
Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Transportation to and from the meeting point
- 4-Hour Tokyo Custom Day Tour unless selected separately as an add-on
Good to Know
Dress Respectfully
Shrines are sacred places. Please avoid short skirts, very short shorts, or clothing with excessive skin exposure. Smart casual clothing and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Walking
The tour involves a moderate amount of walking, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
Age Requirement
There is no age requirement. A reservation must be made for every guest, and the cost is the same for all ages.
Join-in Arrival
Join-in guests should arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure. Late arrival is treated as a no-show.
Private Tour Late Arrival
For private tours, the guide will wait for up to 30 minutes after the scheduled start time. If guests do not arrive within this time, the tour will be considered cancelled.
Tour Options
Choose between a join-in tour or private tour in the booking calendar.
Tokyo Sightseeing Add-on
A 4-Hour Tokyo Custom Day Tour can be requested separately for guests who would like to add more sightseeing to their day.
Booking & Cancellation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shinto?
Shinto, sometimes translated as “the way of the kami,” is Japan’s indigenous spiritual tradition. It is closely connected with nature, seasonal customs, local communities, shrine rituals, festivals, and everyday Japanese culture.
Shinto has no single founder or unified scripture. Its traditions developed over centuries through local beliefs, mythology, rituals, and practices centered around kami, a term used for sacred or divine presences associated with nature, places, ancestors, and other aspects of life.
What is the difference between the join-in and private tour?
The join-in tour is shared with other travelers. The private tour follows the same experience exclusively with your own booked group and private guide.
What happens if I’m late?
For join-in tours, please arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. Late arrival will be treated as a no-show.
For private tours, the guide will wait for up to 30 minutes after the scheduled start time. If guests do not arrive within this time, the tour will be considered cancelled.
Is there an age requirement?
No. There is no age requirement, but every guest must have a reservation and the cost is the same for all ages.
Can I combine this tour with more Tokyo sightseeing?
Yes. You can request a 4-Hour Tokyo Custom Day Tour as an optional add-on for additional sightseeing in Tokyo.
Looking for a different Japan travel service?
Japan Awaits also offers other custom travel services depending on your destination, itinerary, and transportation needs.
Custom Single-Day Tours Across Japan: Private and customizable day tours are available in cities and destinations across Japan, with itineraries tailored to your interests and schedule. Explore Custom Single-Day Tours →
Custom Multi-Day Tours Across Japan: For travel across multiple days or destinations, our Custom Multi-Day Tour service provides one coordinated itinerary tailored to your overall trip. Multi-Day Tour requests follow a separate planning process and include a consultation fee of JPY 2,500 per request. Explore Custom Multi-Day Tours →
Private Vehicle Service: Explore Japan with a private vehicle and professional driver, following a customizable itinerary tailored to your destinations, preferences, and schedule. This service does not include a tour guide. Explore Private Vehicle Service →
Cruise Shore Excursions in Japan: Private shore excursion services are available for cruise ports and destinations across Japan, with itineraries planned around your ship schedule and time in port. Explore Cruise Shore Excursions →
