Despite Tokyo being a bustling city, there are still plenty of tranquil pockets just waiting to be found - and you'll often come across them in the unlikeliest of locations. Ebisu Shrine is one such tranquil pocket, acting like a spiritual oasis in the midst of the urban jungle.
Literally surrounded by office buildings, apartments, hotels and restaurants, there's something calming about this place as soon as you step onto the grounds. Walk around and you'll find ema (wooden plaques with prayers and wishes written on them) hanging up, and omikuji (fortunes written on strips of paper) tied to the trees.
There's some debate over exactly when the shrine here was built, but estimates date back to around 113 - 115 AD.
Getting there
Ebisu Shrine is approximately two minutes on foot from Ebisu Station, served by the JR Yamanote, Shonan-Shinjuku or Saikyo lines, or via the subway on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line.
Kim Bergström @kim.b
Almost 12 years living in Asia. Passionate about Japan's off-the-beaten-path spots, family-friendly travel, flower events (all of them!) and the amazing tea culture here. 🍵🌼🌸
