One of the most popular things to do in Japan is to visit a famous shrine or temple, and you're bound to walk past a few pretty much anywhere you are. Here is a list of the most unique and interesting shrines we've come across in Tokyo (and Kanagawa)
![fox statues at Keihin Fushimi Inari shrine](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bec9c2_7cbd026017fa434d975f616c128929c9~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/bec9c2_7cbd026017fa434d975f616c128929c9~mv2.jpg)
1. Keihin Fushimi Inari Shrine (京濱伏見稲荷神社) in Kanagawa Keihin Fushimi Inari Shrine is home to 108 kitsune (fox) statues! In the Shinto religion, "inari" is a god that is connected to rice, sake, and tea. The significance of the kitsune, are to protect the rice, which is a staple food in Japanese society.
![onigiri emas at a Japanese shrine](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bec9c2_203394505d1f4ff8aa8a02a5c11388c7~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/bec9c2_203394505d1f4ff8aa8a02a5c11388c7~mv2.jpg)
Located about a 15 minute walk from Tokyo Skytree is Takagi Shrine, a quirky onigiri-themed shrine that also pays tribute to Takagi San, a character in the manga series 'Teasing Master Takagi-san'.
![maneki Neko](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bec9c2_f8b0dbfeed454a81968f28a4f723aa40~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_651,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/bec9c2_f8b0dbfeed454a81968f28a4f723aa40~mv2.jpg)
Gotokuji Temple is said to be the birthplace of "maneki neko" (luck-inviting cat or beckoning cat) and is home to dozens of them! It's a very popular destination for both tourists and locals because of its charm and uniqueness. You can also buy your own maneki neko to take home!
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bec9c2_2df1a8cd757c4f419fe8202bc32ffb83~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/bec9c2_2df1a8cd757c4f419fe8202bc32ffb83~mv2.jpg)
4. The Godzilla Shrine - Tamagawa Sengen Shrine (多摩川浅間神社) in Kanagawa
An iconic shrine located near the Tama River, known for its association with the Godzilla franchise.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bec9c2_43f17020e3234eeca3d1b1c4ffac7eef~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/bec9c2_43f17020e3234eeca3d1b1c4ffac7eef~mv2.jpg)
A Buddhist temple in Hachioji, Tokyo that was established in 1489 by Keiun Nicchō (啓運日澄) for his retirement. Although it's operations and architecture are what you would expect of a traditional Japanese temple, in 2009 a non-traditional signboard was installed with anime illustrations of Shinto and Buddhist deities, and the enshrined Shingo Benzaiten (新護弁財天) was given a modern anime look, in an attempt to create a more exciting atmosphere. In 2010 a theme song was released for Ryōhō-ji titled 'Tera zukkyun! Ai no Ryōhō-ji!' (寺ズッキュン!愛の了法寺!).
this is a great resource!