To sit in contemplation at Yukigaya Hachiman Shrine is also to feel connected to the small neighborhood in which it is located, not far from Tokyo Institute of Technology but far from the bustle of downtown Ota Ward. Though dedicated to the Japanese god of war, the shrine is a peaceful place, planted with cherry blossoms and exuding a sense of tranquility. On an action-packed trip to Tokyo and Ota, spend a morning or afternoon at the shrine to get a sense of real life here.
Walk or drive up to the shrine, whose gate stands out against the concrete buildings around it. Greet the attendants and go into the open space of the shrine itself, up a set of stone steps. During the cherry blossom season, enjoy the sight of the flowers unencumbered by the presence of a thousand other tourists. Watch the shrine’s calendar for special events, when rituals including crying sumo babies and Shichigosan are put on in the space.
Otherwise, enjoy the almost complete stillness, rarely punctuated even by the distant sound of cars driving past on the road outside. Admire the architecture of the shrine buildings, decorated with paper lanterns that emit a comforting glow as the sun goes down. Sit and think in perfect solitude and peace.
Yukigaya Hachiman Shrine is located in a quiet suburban neighborhood far northeast of Ota Ward, about halfway to Setagaya. Walk to the Yukigaya Hachiman Shrine in 3 minutes from the closest train station. Stroll from nearby Tokyo Institute of Technology or Senzokuike Park and Pond in about 15 minutes. A small canal runs nearby. Unlike many Tokyo-area shrines, Yukigaya Hachiman Shrine has reasonable parking at the site so you can drive here. Reach the shrine in 50 minutes by public transportation or 40 minutes by car from Haneda International Airport or in about 1 hour by car or 90 minutes by train from Chofu International Airport. There is no admission fee. The shrine itself is open for worship all day long.
