Narukoten Shrine, Kai Travel Guide

Discover a peaceful Shinto shrine in Shinjuku, featuring a miniature Mount Fuji for a unique cultural and spiritual experience.

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Narukoten Shrine

Narukoten Shrine, nestled in Shinjuku, Tokyo, offers a tranquil escape from the city's bustle. Founded in 903 AD, it features a miniature Mount Fuji (Fujizuka) built with lava from the actual mountain, providing a unique spiritual experience and a glimpse into traditional Fuji worship.

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.

Climb the Fujizuka for a unique experience of ascending a miniature Mount Fuji.
Rub the 'Nade-Ushi' statue to seek wisdom and academic success.
Look for the statues of the Seven Lucky Gods scattered throughout the shrine grounds.

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A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Narukoten Shrine, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From Nishi-Shinjuku Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, the shrine is a short 2-minute walk. Exit the station and walk towards the Ome Kaido road. The shrine is located along this road.
Public Transport

From Shinjuku Station, take the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line to Nishi-Shinjuku Station. The fare is approximately ¥170-200. From there, it is a 2-minute walk to the shrine.
Taxi

A taxi from Shinjuku Station to Narukoten Shrine will cost approximately ¥1,500, depending on traffic. The journey should take around 10 minutes.

Discover more about Narukoten Shrine

Narukoten Shrine, officially known as Naruko Tenjinsha, provides a serene contrast to the surrounding modern skyscrapers of Shinjuku. Founded in 903 AD, the shrine has a rich history, initially established by a retainer mourning the death of Sugawara no Michizane, a revered scholar and politician. The shrine enshrines Tenjin-sama (Sugawara no Michizane), the god of learning and protection from misfortune.One of the shrine's unique features is its Fujizuka, a miniature replica of Mount Fuji constructed in 1920 using lava rocks from the actual Mount Fuji. This sacred mound allowed people who couldn't make the pilgrimage to Mount Fuji to participate in Fuji worship closer to home. Climbing the Fujizuka, though a short ascent, offers a unique experience with steep, rocky steps and a chain to assist climbers, evoking the feel of a real hike.Throughout its history, Narukoten Shrine has faced numerous challenges, including fires and World War II bombings. Despite these setbacks, it has been rebuilt and remains a cherished place of worship. The current main shrine pavilion was built in 1966 and renovated in 2013. The shrine also features statues of the Seven Lucky Gods and a 'Nade-Ushi' (rubbing ox) statue, believed to grant wisdom when rubbed.