<p>A bridge in the small garden next to the Togo Shrine</p>

A bridge in the small garden next to the Togo Shrine (Photo: Mandy Bartok)

Hidden Garden in Harajuku

The surprising grounds of the Togo Shrine

Mandy Bartok Sep 22, 2015 - 1 min read

<p>A bridge in the small garden next to the Togo Shrine</p>

<p>A small waterfalls tumbles down the far bank</p>

<p>An event hall and cafe stands at the garden's edge</p>

<p>The garden isn't large but is carefully tended and has many elements of older, more traditional gardens</p>

<p>A three-legged lantern sits at the edge of the pond</p>

<p>Another lantern can be seen against the backdrop of the event hall's evening lights</p>

<p>The Togo Shrine itself is popular for weddings</p>

<p>The crest carved into the doors of the Togo Shrine</p>

The Togo Shrine, dedicated to one of Japan's greatest naval admirals, lies just off the chaotic and cramped thoroughfare of Takeshita Street (Takeshita-dori) in Harajuku. Yet its inner courtyard and grounds provide a quiet sanctuary from the bustle of the boulevards nearby. Don't miss the lovely Japanese-style garden to the east of the main shrine. A pond, a wooden bridge, a trellis and a few lanterns all combine to make a picturesque scene, especially when the lights of the shrine's event complex shine on the water's surface. The garden is little-visited and the perfect place to gather your courage before returning to the crush of the Harajuku neighborhood.

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Find out more about Togo Shrine.

Mandy Bartok

Mandy Bartok @mandy.bartok

Japan resident for 10 years, with time spent in Okinawa, Kumamoto and Tokyo.