Meiji Shrine is the second most important in Japan, and conveniently lies in the centre of Tokyo, near Harajuku.
If you go there on Sunday morning(ish) you can catch the kids in Harajuku dressed up as their favourite manga/anime characters AND visit the shrine! Bargain. The shrine is behind Harajuku station, across the bridge where the kids are hanging out, and lies in some woods at the end of long gravel path. It is free to get in, and there is lots to see/do. I recommend spending some time reading the prayer tablets written by Japanese and tourists alike, and even writing one yourself. You never know, you might get what you want! You might also be lucky enough to see an elite wedding going on in the courtyards of the shrine.

Harajuku stn. Turn right out of the station, and right again. Cross the bridge, take photos of kids in fancy dress, enter the shrine on the right.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Today, only a few Shinto shrines continue to venerate the phallus, and a small shrine in Kanamara is one of them. Massive representations of the male member abound, and there is a yearly festival during which a phallus is paraded around the neighbourhood. Back in the Edo period, the shrine was popular among prostitutes, who believed it offered protection from syphilis. Today the shrine is active in HIV awareness and care for those afflicted.

From Shinagawa take a Keihan Kyuko (red) train toward Yokohama. Get off at Keiku Kawasaki, go down the stairs and take a Daishi Line train three stations to Kawasaki Daishi, walk across the street on for a few meters. The shrine will appear on the right.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends