Power Spots, Sources of Spiritual Vitality

When you visit a temple or shrine, you may get a better mind set, feeling your soul and mind relax. They are restful places and often called “power spots” since many people feel they are sources of spiritual vitality. 

 Temples and shrines are located in a calm place with beautiful natural surroundings.

 Every town and village has its own shrine dedicated to their own god (kami). 

 Most Japanese visit temples or shrines on the New Year holidays and when we want to ask for a favor, such as passing an entrance examination or finding a good partner.

 You will see various symbolic structures, such as Torii gates, which separate the shrine from the rest of the world. Torii gates symbolize the boundary between the secular world and the world of kami.

 There is also a place near the entrance for visitors  to wash hands with water. This is a way to purify themselves before worship.  

 When you get to the main hall, there is a donation box and a bell hanging on the rope which is used to attract the attention of kami.  To do this, proceed toward the altar, ring the bell by shaking the rope, and offer coins if you wish, then bow, clap your hands two times and then bow deeply. That’s it!

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Here are most famous and popular POWER SPOTS in TOKYO:

 Meiji Shrine

This shrine is dedicated to the souls of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. It is surrounded by Yoyogi Park and is close to fashionable Aoyama and Omotesando districts.

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 1-1 Yoyogi Kamizono-cho, Shibuya-ku, TokyoShrine has three entrances.JR Yoyogi station,Sangubashi station of the Odakyu LineJR Harajuku station, or Meiji Jingumae station of the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line.

Yushima Tenjin

This is a shrine for scholars. It is located on high ground in Bunkyo Ward. Many visitors are students seeking good results in their exams.


 3-30-1 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo2 min walk from Yushima Station, Exit 3, Chiyoda-line

 Yasukuni Shrine

The shrine is dedicated to Japan’s war dead and most controversial shrine because of its political significance.  It is adjacent to Kitanomaru Park, north west of the Imperial Palace. The war memorial museum is on the grounds of the Ysukuni Shrine.


 3-1-1 Kudan Kita, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo5 min walk from Kudankita Station of Hanzomon Line, or Tozai Line, or Toei Shinjuku Line.

 Hie Shrine

The deity enshrined is Hie no kami. The Tokugawa shoguns considered the Hie Shrine important and protected.  It is located near the National Diet and many politicians visit the shrine to worship on festive occasions.


 2-10-5 Nagata-cho, Chiyoa-ku, TokyoTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, Kokkai Gijidomae Station, 5 min. walk.