Nezu Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Bunkyō Ward, Tokyo, and is one of the designated Tokyo Ten Shrines. It is especially famous as a prime spot for viewing azaleas. According to tradition, the shrine traces its origins back nearly 2,000 years and is said to have been founded by the legendary hero Yamato Takeru.
The present shrine buildings were constructed in 1706 (Hōei 3) by Tokugawa Tsunatoyo, then lord of Kōfu Domain (later the 6th shogun Tokugawa Ienobu), on land he dedicated for the shrine. The architectural style is Gongen-zukuri, in which the main hall (honden), offering hall (heiden), and worship hall (haiden) are all interconnected. Nezu Shrine is regarded as one of the finest examples of this style. In total, seven of its structures are designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan.
The most renowned feature of the shrine grounds is the azalea garden, which bursts into full bloom every spring, drawing countless visitors and making Nezu Shrine one of Tokyo’s most famous seasonal flower-viewing sites. In addition, the surrounding area preserves historical ties to literary figures such as Mori Ōgai and Natsume Sōseki. Mori Ōgai, once a parishioner of the shrine, depicted “Nezu Gongen” as a setting in his novel The Youth. Recently, part of Mori Ōgai’s former residence has been planned for relocation to the shrine grounds, further deepening the connection between literature and faith.
In terms of naming, during the Edo period the shrine belonged to the Sannō Shintō tradition as a gongen shrine and was widely known as “Nezu Gongen”, or more affectionately, “Gongen-sama.” Although the Meiji-era policy of separating Shinto and Buddhism diminished the use of this title, the old name still appears occasionally in local usage and literary works.
The main enshrined deities are Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Ōyamakui-no-Kami, and Hondawake-no-Mikoto (Emperor Ōjin).
