Shinto Shrine Tour: Explore Japanese Culture in Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan

Shinto Shrine Tour: Explore Japanese Culture in Tokyo

Outty Ranking 59 5.0 · 18 traveler reviews3 hoursFrom ¥8,900
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Outty Ranking

59/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 18 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Shinto Shrine Tour: Explore Japanese Culture in Tokyo worth booking?

Shinto Shrine Tour: Explore Japanese Culture in Tokyo is a 3-hour experience in Tokyo, Japan, from ¥8,900 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 18 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
59 / 100
Rating
5/5 (18)
Duration
3 hours
From
¥8,900 per person

Understand and learn about Japanese lifestyle and culture that was derived from Shinto thousands of years in the making by visiting three famous Shinto Shrines in Tokyo in this 3-hour tour. In this Shinto Tour, visit three famous Shinto Shrines in Tokyo with the tour guide who gives you some interest information about a way of life, rather than a religion of the Japanese people. Shinto began as a practice to honor and appease the deities and spirits of Japan. The ancient Japanese believed that by honoring these spirits, the number of natural disasters such as tsunamis, typhoons, floods and even volcanic eruptions could be reduced or prevented. This belief has driven the construction of over 100,000 independent shrines all over Japan, each enshrining a different spirit for worship.

What you get

  • Public transportation between the shrines
  • Entrance fees
  • Professional English speaking tour guide
  • Photo opportunities

About this experience

Understand and learn about Japanese lifestyle and culture that was derived from Shinto thousands of years in the making by visiting three famous Shinto Shrines in Tokyo in this 3-hour tour. In this Shinto Tour, visit three famous Shinto Shrines in Tokyo with the tour guide who gives you some interest information about a way of life, rather than a religion of the Japanese people. Shinto began as a practice to honor and appease the deities and spirits of Japan. The ancient Japanese believed that by honoring these spirits, the number of natural disasters such as tsunamis, typhoons, floods and even volcanic eruptions could be reduced or prevented. This belief has driven the construction of over 100,000 independent shrines all over Japan, each enshrining a different spirit for worship.

What's included

Included

  • Public transportation between the shrines
  • Entrance fees
  • Professional English speaking tour guide
  • Photo opportunities

Not included

  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities (Optional)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Transportation to/from meet-up and departure point

What you'll see and do

  1. Harajuku Station

    Harajuku Station is a railway station in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan, operated by East Japan Railway Company. The station takes its name from the area on its eastern side, Harajuku.

    Pass by without stopping

  2. Meiji Jingu Shrine

    Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the souls of the late Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken. The shrine is surrounded by a lush forest composed of trees donated from different regions of Japan.

    60 minutes here · Admission included

  3. Kanda Shrine

    Kanda Shrine, is a Shinto shrine located in Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan. The shrine dates back 1,270 years, but the current structure was rebuilt several times due to fire and earthquakes. It is situated in one of the most expensive estate areas of Tokyo.

    60 minutes here · Admission included

  4. Tokyo Daijingu Shrine

    Tokyo Daijingu is affectionately called 'O-Ise-sama in Tokyo' because of its enshrined deities. This shrine is one of the famous shrine in Tokyo. it is famous for the god of marriage among girls.

    60 minutes here · Admission included

Where it starts and ends

Meeting point

Tokyo

Departure Point: Harajuku Station (on the JR Yamanote Line) at the Omotesando Exit Address: 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya, Jingumae, 1 丁目 18 Directions: Google Maps Link (to Harajuku Station): https://goo.gl/maps/NxH2XXk2kVo

Hotel pickup

No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

Ends at

Returns to the starting point

Ends at

Return point: Akihabara (where the last shrine will be located). If add-on of Yanaka tour is added, the tour will end in Yanaka area.

Options you can book

  • Private Shinto Tour

  • Join-in Shinto Tour

    Join-in Tour (Max. 16 guests): A minimum of 4 participants is required. If not met, your booking may be rescheduled or canceled with a full refund.

Before you book

Cancellation
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Languages
ja, en
Ticket
Mobile Only
Runs on
Tue, Fri, Sun
Group size
Up to 15 travelers per booking
Operated by
Japan Awaits

Know before you go

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • In this three-hour Shinto Tour, visit three famous Shinto Shrines in Tokyo with the tour guide who gives you some interest information about a way of life, rather than a religion of the Japanese people.
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Standard Cancellation Policy:
  • We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 7 days or less before event
  • We will charge a cancellation fee of 50% if booking is cancelled 14 days or less before event
  • We will charge a cancellation fee of 25% if booking is cancelled 20 days or less before event
  • This tour operates on Tue, Fri, and Sun each week. Please select your preferred date accordingly.
  • Dress code is smart casual
  • Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather (if there is typhoon or other extreme weather conditions), you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
  • Q&A?
  • What if I'm late?
  • Kindly note that for join-in tours, we respectfully request guests to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time to ensure a smooth start for all participants. Late arrival will be considered a no-show, and the booking will be treated as cancelled
  • For private tours, the guide will wait up to 30 minutes after the scheduled start time. If guests do not arrive within this time, the tour will be considered cancelled

Photos

Shinto Shrine Tour: Explore Japanese Culture in Tokyo, photo 2Shinto Shrine Tour: Explore Japanese Culture in Tokyo, photo 3Shinto Shrine Tour: Explore Japanese Culture in Tokyo, photo 4

What travelers are saying

Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 18 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

The guide

8 mentions

Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

Knowledge and storytelling

6 mentions

Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

Traveler reviews

18 verified traveler reviews for Shinto Shrine Tour: Explore Japanese Culture in Tokyo. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

5 star
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B6916YOmeganb · November 2024

Great experience for us!

We decided to take this tour after wanting to learn a bit more about Shintoism and we were in Japan for our Honeymoon. We have a great time, learnt loads about Shinto and the Japanese culture in general. We were taken to three completely different shrines and the travel between was easy. Hiro was very friendly and really made this experience memorable for us. It felt like he was tailoring it to us as we walked around, he was attentive and no question was too much. Definitely an experience I would suggest anyone who has an interest in Japanese culture and Shintoism to go on. At the end he gave us some suggestions too for how we could spend the rest of our day based off of what we were interested. Definitely a brilliant memory for us, thank you :)

via Tripadvisor

Veronica_J · August 2024

Amazing experience!

The explanations we had to appreciate what we were looking at! As we are not very familiar with Japanese art, or specifically with Shintoism, it was a great way to start. Our nice and kind tour leader made it even better for us

via Viator

expi · April 2024

Learning about Japanese traditions and culture.

We had a great time with Akemi who was very accommodating with our schedule and took us to shrines and temples. She explained the culture and traditions really well and answered our numerous questions in detail. Definitely worth experiencing this yourself.

via Tripadvisor

chloe_d · October 2023

Guide made the tour genuine lady

How friendly , happy and helpful our guide was. Interesting culture behind the shrines. I had an unexpected knee injury we still attended the tour but it is tough if anyone is injured ,however guide was very patient and allowed me to rest as needed. Tour guide was Ami

via Viator

NAPHA_P · September 2023

Great Tour

Had a great time on this tour. We got to see so much. Meiji Jingu shrine was my favorite. It was like stepping into a different world. We loved our tour guide Hitomi. She was very knowledgeable on the history of all the shrines and temples we visited. She had us try Mochi for the first time. We had a nice lunch at a local place where I had my first Japanese beer... Kanpai! Lol. We also got to visit the "Cat Town" Yanaka Ginza which was interesting. Hitomi was so sweet and so much fun to be around. She also happens to be a Calligraphy Master. She presented us with a board that she penned herself with a sweet phrase about a once in a lifetime encounter (which was meeting us), she personally wrote a note to us on the back. She added her personal red stamp. We were so touched by this thoughtful "omiyage" that we were able to have as a keepsake of our time together.

via Viator

Good to know

Duration
3 hours
Free cancellation
Non-refundable
Minimum age to book
6+
Availability
Bookable today
Runs on
Tue, Fri, Sun
Price range
¥8,900 to ¥21,400
Hotel pickup
No pickup, meet at start point
Booked in 30 days
6
Verdict
Worth a Look

Who runs this experience

Operated by Japan Awaits, who run 41 experiences we rank across 12 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 55.9.

See everything Japan Awaits runs

Why this scores 59

The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

Traveler sentiment (30% weight)93
Review evidence (18% weight)42
Booking momentum (14% weight)32
Value for money (12% weight)34
Listing quality (10% weight)100
Local standing (8% weight)60
Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

Shinto Shrine Tour: Explore Japanese Culture in Tokyo: questions travelers ask

Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Tokyo.

How much does Shinto Shrine Tour: Explore Japanese Culture in Tokyo cost?

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Prices start at ¥8,900 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Tokyo usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

How long does Shinto Shrine Tour: Explore Japanese Culture in Tokyo take?

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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Tokyo is not rushed.

Is Shinto Shrine Tour: Explore Japanese Culture in Tokyo worth it?

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It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 18 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Tokyo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

Can I cancel or reschedule Shinto Shrine Tour: Explore Japanese Culture in Tokyo?

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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

Is Shinto Shrine Tour: Explore Japanese Culture in Tokyo suitable for kids and families?

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The operator sets a minimum age of 6. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 3-hour running time when deciding.

How far in advance should I book Shinto Shrine Tour: Explore Japanese Culture in Tokyo?

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Around 6 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Tokyo can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

What should I bring or wear?

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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Tokyo and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

Where does Shinto Shrine Tour: Explore Japanese Culture in Tokyo start and how do I get there?

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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Tokyo within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

What are the best things to do in Tokyo?

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Tokyo is less a city than a stack of neighborhoods with completely different opening hours. A guided food crawl through Shinjuku's Omoide Yokocho gets you past the no-tourist curtains, while the day trips west to Hakone and Fuji need an early start to be worth the fare. Our ranking weighs guide quality heavily here, because in Tokyo the guide is the product. On Outty we rank every Tokyo experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Best of Shinjuku: Izakaya Food Tour (3-4 Stops, 14+ Tastings), Tokyo: Asakusa Senso-ji Temple & Old Town Walking Tour, Matcha Making Class in Tokyo with Authentic Japanese Sweets Set. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

When is the best time to visit Tokyo?

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Late March to May for blossom, October to November for clear Fuji views. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

How many days do you need in Tokyo?

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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

What is included in Shinto Shrine Tour: Explore Japanese Culture in Tokyo?

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Included: Public transportation between the shrines; Entrance fees; Professional English speaking tour guide; and Photo opportunities. Not included: Food and drinks; Gratuities (Optional); Hotel pickup and drop-off; and Transportation to/from meet-up and departure point. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

Where is the meeting point for Shinto Shrine Tour: Explore Japanese Culture in Tokyo?

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Departure Point: Harajuku Station (on the JR Yamanote Line) at the Omotesando Exit Address: 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya, Jingumae, 1 丁目 18 Directions: Google Maps Link (to Harajuku Station): https://goo.gl/maps/NxH2XXk2kVo Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

What languages is Shinto Shrine Tour: Explore Japanese Culture in Tokyo offered in?

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It is offered in Japanese and English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Shinto Shrine Tour: Explore Japanese Culture in Tokyo?

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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

Is Shinto Shrine Tour: Explore Japanese Culture in Tokyo wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; and Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

What happens to Shinto Shrine Tour: Explore Japanese Culture in Tokyo if the weather is bad?

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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Tokyo. Standard cancellation terms apply.

What do travelers say about Shinto Shrine Tour: Explore Japanese Culture in Tokyo?

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Across 18 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

What booking options are available for Shinto Shrine Tour: Explore Japanese Culture in Tokyo?

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There are 2 options to choose from, including Private Shinto Tour, Join-in Shinto Tour. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

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