Front view of the historical Toshogu Shrine, a cultural landmark in Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan.Anime · Hidden gem

Hikawa Shrine, Motoazabu

氷川神社

Azabu, Tokyo · 東京

Anime

Sailor Moon

Widely cited as the model for Rei Hino's shrine.

A small, largely empty neighbourhood shrine up a flight of steps in Motoazabu, minutes from one of the most expensive districts in Tokyo and almost entirely unvisited.

Why it’s worth it

It is widely cited as the model for Rei Hino's shrine, and the manga's Azabu-Jūban setting is the real neighbourhood at the bottom of the hill. Unlike the Your Name steps, you will likely have it to yourself.

CategoryAnime
AreaAzabu
HoursGrounds always open
Hidden gemshrinequietresidential

Nearby

Walking distance from Hikawa Shrine, Motoazabu

All of Tokyo

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