Irugi Shrine, Tokyo Travel Guide

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Discover a serene Shinto shrine in Tokyo with a whimsical twist: cartoon character statues amidst traditional architecture and peaceful gardens.

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Irugi Shrine

Irugi Shrine, nestled in Tokyo's Shinagawa City, offers a serene escape with traditional architecture and surprising cartoon character statues. Originally relocated to avoid flooding, this 17th-century shrine provides a unique blend of history and whimsy.

A brief summary to Irugi Shrine

3 Chome-8-20 Osaki, Shinagawa City, 3 Chome Osaki, Tokyo, 141-0032, JP
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Monday 9 am-5 pm
Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
Thursday 9 am-5 pm
Friday 9 am-5 pm
Saturday 9 am-5 pm
Sunday 9 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for a quieter, more peaceful experience.
Check for seasonal festivals or events to immerse yourself in Japanese culture.
Respect local customs by bowing at the torii gate upon entering the shrine.
Bring a camera to capture the unique blend of traditional architecture and cartoon character statues.

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Explore Irugi Shrine on the Map

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

Getting There

Public Transport

From Osaki Station (JR Yamanote Line, JR Saikyo Line, JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line, Rinkai Line), take the west exit and walk approximately 3 minutes to Irugi Shrine. Subway fares in Tokyo range from ¥180 to ¥330 depending on distance. A one-day pass for unlimited use of Tokyo Metro is available for ¥700.
Walking

From Osaki Station's west exit, Irugi Shrine is a short 3-minute walk. Exit the station and head towards the main street, then turn left. The shrine will be on your right, up a small set of stairs.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available from Osaki Station. A short taxi ride from Osaki Station to Irugi Shrine will typically cost between ¥730 to ¥900, plus a possible pickup fee. Note that fares may vary depending on traffic conditions.

Discover more about Irugi Shrine

Irugi Shrine, located in Shinagawa City, Tokyo, is a peaceful Shinto shrine that provides a unique blend of traditional spirituality and modern-day fun. The shrine's history dates back to the early Edo period, around 400 years ago, although its exact founding date remains unclear. Originally known as Kiji-no-miya (the Pheasant Shrine), it was moved between 1661 and 1673 to its current location to escape the frequent flooding of the Meguro River. The shrine was renamed Irugi-jinja in 1872.The main building was rebuilt in 1978 after being heavily damaged during World War II. Today, visitors can explore the beautifully maintained grounds, which feature a fujizuka mound built in 1933 near the entrance and a stone object named “Evidence of Growth”. The shrine is known for hosting the shichigosan festival, a traditional rite of passage for children.What sets Irugi Shrine apart are the stone statues of popular cartoon characters like Mickey Mouse, Pikachu, and Doraemon scattered throughout the grounds. These statues, created using excess material from a gravestone-making company with ties to the shrine, add a playful and unexpected element to the serene atmosphere. The area around the shrine is also an archaeological site, with discoveries of stone tools and earthenware dating back to the Jōmon period. Irugi Shrine has been selected as one of the “100 best views of Shinagawa” and is also known for its cherry blossoms in the spring.