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Shinjuku Juniso Kumano-jinja Shrine: An Oasis of Serenity

Discover tranquility in the heart of Tokyo at Shinjuku Juniso Kumano-jinja Shrine, a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle.

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Nestled amidst the skyscrapers of Nishi-Shinjuku, the Shinjuku Juniso Kumano-jinja Shrine offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city. Founded in the Muromachi period, this Shinto shrine provides a serene atmosphere with its traditional architecture and lush greenery.

A brief summary to Shinjuku Juniso Kumano-jinja Shrine

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere with fewer crowds.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll through Shinjuku Central Park for a complete experience.
  • Respect local customs, such as purification rituals before entering the shrine.
  • Look for the yatagarasu (three-legged crow) motif, a symbol of Kumano shrines, on traffic safety stickers.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, head south towards Yasukuni Dori. Turn right onto Yasukuni Dori and walk for about 5 minutes until you reach the Nishishinjuku 2-chome intersection. Turn left, and the shrine will be on your left. This walk is free.

  • Public Transport

    From Shinjuku Station, take the subway to Shinjuku-sanchome station. The ride takes approximately 1 minute and costs ¥180-¥220. From there, it is a short walk to the shrine.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Shinjuku Station to Shinjuku Juniso Kumano-jinja Shrine typically costs between ¥1,000 and ¥1,200 and takes only a few minutes. Taxi base fares in Tokyo start around ¥710.

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Discover more about Shinjuku Juniso Kumano-jinja Shrine

Shinjuku Juniso Kumano-jinja Shrine, a Shinto shrine, provides a serene oasis in the heart of Tokyo's vibrant Shinjuku district. In the northwest corner of Shinjuku Central Park, the shrine stands as a testament to Japan's spiritual heritage amidst the modern urban landscape. Founded during the Oei era (1394–1428) by Suzuki Kuro, a merchant from Kumano, Wakayama Prefecture, the shrine is dedicated to the deities of Kumano. It enshrines the main deities from the historical province of Kishu and now hosts a local deity of Shinjuku. The shrine has become known for bringing good fortune. The Japanese women's soccer team (Nadeshiko Japan) even won the World Cup after visiting the shrine. Despite being reconstructed after World War II, the shrine maintains its cultural significance and traditional Japanese design. Visitors can admire the stunning architecture, participate in age-old rituals such as purifying their hands at the temizuya (water basin), and make wishes at the main hall. The shrine also hosts various festivals throughout the year, providing an immersive experience of Japanese customs. The ema (votive tablet) depicting the seven actors and the dedication plaque of Shikisanban in the hall of worship are designated as tangible cultural properties by Shinjuku City. Once used as irrigation ponds, the Twelve Shrine Ponds on the west side of Kumano Shrine were scenic spots during the Edo period. Although the surrounding area has transformed into one of Japan's tallest skyscraper districts, the shrine remains a guardian deity of the Shinjuku area.

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