Narukoten Shrine: A Serene Oasis in Shinjuku's Urban Landscape

Discover tranquility at Narukoten Shrine in Shinjuku: a historic Shinto sanctuary with a miniature Mt. Fuji, offering peace in the city's heart.

Home
Japan
Hitachi
Narukoten Shrine

Nestled amidst the towering skyscrapers of Nishi-Shinjuku, Narukoten Shrine offers a tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Founded in 903, this Shinto shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning, and features a meticulously maintained garden, a unique three-pillar torii gate, and a miniature Mount Fuji replica.

A brief summary to Narukoten Shrine

8 Chome-14-10 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, 8 Chome Nishishinjuku, Tokyo, 160-0023, JP

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Narukoten Shrine.

If you're a student or seeking academic success, be sure to rub the 'Nade-Ushi' (rubbing ox) statue in front of the main shrine for wisdom and good luck.
Climb the Fuji-zuka for a unique experience of ascending Mount Fuji in miniature, without leaving Tokyo.
Take a moment to find the statues of the Seven Lucky Gods scattered throughout the shrine grounds, each offering blessings for different aspects of life.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Getting There

Public Transport

The closest station to Narukoten Shrine is Nishi-Shinjuku Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line. From Shinjuku Station, take the Marunouchi Line for one stop to Nishi-Shinjuku Station. The shrine is a 2-minute walk from the station. A single subway fare from Shinjuku to Nishi-Shinjuku costs approximately ¥170-¥220. Consider purchasing a Tokyo Subway Ticket for unlimited rides on Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines if you plan to visit multiple attractions via subway.
Walking

Narukoten Shrine is located within walking distance of Shinjuku Station. From Shinjuku Station's west exit, walk along Ome-Kaido Road for approximately 15-20 minutes. The shrine will be on your left. There are no costs associated with walking.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available from Shinjuku Station. A taxi ride to Narukoten Shrine will take approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare for a short taxi ride from Shinjuku Station to Narukoten Shrine is ¥1600-¥2000.

Discover more about Narukoten Shrine

Narukoten Shrine, officially known as Naruko Tenjinsha, provides a serene contrast to the surrounding urban environment of Shinjuku. Founded in 903, the shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane (845-903), a scholar and politician revered as Tenjin-sama, the god of learning.The shrine's history stretches back over a thousand years, with its origins tied to vassals mourning Michizane's exile and death. They enshrined a statue of him on the grounds of the Grand Shrine in Naruko Village, which is now part of Shinjuku Ward. Over time, the shrine has been rebuilt and renamed, finally becoming Naruko Tenjinsha in 1928. Despite facing destruction during World War II, the shrine was reconstructed and remains a cherished place of worship.Visitors can explore various features within the shrine grounds. A notable attraction is the Fuji-zuka, a miniature replica of Mount Fuji, offering a unique hiking experience in the heart of Tokyo. The shrine also features a rare three-pillar torii gate and statues of the Seven Lucky Gods. A 'petting cow' statue is also present, which is said to help with healing if you rub the part of the statue that corresponds to where you are feeling unwell.Narukoten Shrine provides a peaceful sanctuary for locals and tourists alike. It's a place to appreciate traditional Shinto architecture, experience a sense of history, and find a moment of calm amidst the vibrant energy of Shinjuku.