Top 5 Sacred Budo Places in Tokyo

Beyond a shadow of a doubt, religious philosophy has had a strong influence in the development of Japanese martial arts. Buddhism, Shintoism and the Budo share similar goals, core principles and essence. Whilst traveling in Japan you can experience this deeply rooted connection by visiting sacred places dedicated or linked to the Budo spirit.

Interestingly, most western practitioners link Buddhism (in particular Zen) to Budo, but in Japan, Shinto practices are largely embedded in most Japanese social activities including martial arts.

In this list we include both temples and shrines. While Buddhist temples or ‘otera’, have strong religious roles as some used to be monasteries, ‘jinja’or shrines play a social and communal role. Jinja are dedicated to ‘kami’or spirits, which could be famous historical figures or spirits found in nature.

Most people visit these places for spiritual reasons. Most Japanese people enjoy going to these “power spots”to get special blessings or powerful amulets for good fortune, and these also include martial artist looking for inspiration, strength or just something “extra”from the gods of Shinto or sacred figures of Buddhism.

Here’s our top 5 selection of sacred Budo places in the Tokyo and the Kanto area.

Meiji Jingu (明治神宮)

If you’ve been to Tokyo, chances are that you’ve visited Meiji Jingu –the shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji, which sits paradoxically between Harajuku and Shibuya; two of the trendiest areas in Tokyo.

Besides the beautiful scenery, incredible pathways great for a relaxing strolls and the occasional traditional Japanese wedding procession, the shrine houses the Shiseikan, one of the most beautiful dojos in Central Tokyo. Built in 1973, the dojo promotes Budo culture with dedicated areas for the practice of Judo, Kendo and Aikido. The main attraction of the dojo is the Kyudojo, the amazing traditional archery hall.

If that wasn’t enough, sometimes, the reception staff use their time to practice Gagaku, classical Japanese music to enhance the already fantastic ambience.

How to Get There

Meiji Jingu is located next to Harajuku Station and Meiji-jingumae Station.
For JR, take the Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station. On the Metro, catch the Chiyoda or Fukutoshin Lines to Meiji-jingumae. The shrine is a 10-minute walk from either location.

Kashima Jingu (鹿島神宮)

Dedicated to the Shinto Kami Takemikazuchi-no-Ōkami (武甕槌大神), one of the most important deities of martial arts, Kashima Jingu is the sacred epicenter of Japanese martial arts.

As one of the oldest shrines in eastern Japan, it has been graced by many a famous swordsman over the decades. Famously, it is the birthplace to the Kashima Shintō-ryūschool of swordsmanship.

Periodically, the shrine holds traditional martial arts demonstrations. If you are not lucky enough to be around when it happens, however, don’t forget to get an ‘omamori’or good luck amulet with the image of Takemikazuchi-no-Okami. Common in many dojos across Japan, he is believed to protect and bless both establishments and practitioners.

How to Get There

Kashima-jingu shrine is a 10-minute walk from Kashima-Jingu Station. A train from Tokyo Stationon the Kashima Line will get you to Kashima-Jingu Station in just over two hours.
A Keisei Bus that runs from Tokyo Station's Yaesu exit directly takes you to Kashima-jingu shrine in about two hours.

Katori Jingu (香取神宮）

As far as status goes, Katori Jingu shrine ranks as one of highest in Japan, along with Kashima Shrine in Ibaraki. Katori Jingu is located outside Sawara, northeast of Narita, and is dedicated to Futsunushi no Mikoto, the protector of soldiers. This shrine has been revered since ancient samurai times.

Legend has it that warrior Iizasa Ienao spent 1,000 days in Katori Shrine practicing martial techniques day and night until the god of the shrine handed down the secrets of martial strategy. This led him to create the Tenshin Shōden Katori Shintō-ryū, one of the oldest and most venerated school of swordsmanship.

How to Get There

Katori Shrine is located about 20 kilometers northeast of Narita Airport, not far from Sawara. It can be reached by a 15-minute bus ride or 10-minute taxi ride from Sawara Station, which in turn is accessed from Narita Station by train along the JR Narita Line (30 minutes, 500 yen, 1- 2 trains per hour).

EISHO JI (永昌寺)

Eisho-Ji may pale in comparison to the other shrines or temples in terms of size or prestige, but this small and easy to miss temple has played a truly significant role in the birth of Judo because of its deep and profound connection with its founder, Kano Jigoro.

Eishoji Temple was first established in Shitaya in Asakusa in 1558 and was later moved to its present location in 1637.

In the summer of 1882, Jigoro Shihan obtained the cooperation of Asahi Shunpo, the chief priest of Eisho-ji temple, and constructed a temporary drill hall. The drill hall was the size of 12 tatami mats and was located in the vacant area next to the temple entrance. In its first year, just 9 followers join. With the time, this small group of practitioners would evolve into one of the major martial arts organisations in the world, the Kodokan.

In 1923, the temple burnt down in the fires of the Great Kanto Earthquake. It was rebuilt later on, and in October 1968, a monument made of stone was erected in its former position of the drill hall. On it reads, "Birthplace of Kodokan Judo" - a commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the passing of Jigoro Kano Shihan.

How to Get There

The temple is located in the Shitamachi area of Tokyo. Take a train from Ueno Station on the Ginza Line and it will get you to Inachiro Station. From there it is a 1-minute walk to the temple.

Tsukudo Shrine (築土神社)

Nearby to the infamous Yasukuni, you can find the almost completely hidden little Tsukudo Jinja. This tiny temple has a long and proud history, having been founded almost 1,075 years ago.

What it lacks in size is compensated by its fabled mystical powers and stories. The temple is dedicated to samurai warrior Taira no Masakado, whom was decapitated after his failed attempt to overthrow the Emperor of Japan in 940 AD. His severed head was hung outside the gates of the Imperial Palace to serve as a warning to other possible rebels.

However, people in the Kanto were inspired by his actions and started referring him as “Gunshin”, the divine samurai figure. His devotees took the head of Masakado from the imperial court and brought it to Tokyo where they began to worship it as the divine figure of Tsukudo shrine .

The shrine was destroyed during WWII and was rebuilt in a rather modern way; trapped in the middle of a contemporary architecture building. The lucky charms sold in the temple are very popular amongst martial artists, in particular kendo practitioners, as they hope to gain inspiration and blessing from the spirit of Masakado for their next tournament.

How to Get There

From Kudanshita Station, walk towards Yasukuni Jinja. Keep your eyes open for the big torii gate in front the Kudan Nakasaka building.

Tokyo and the Kanto area are the first stop for now, the amount of temples and shrines dedicated to martial heroes or martial arts in Japan is massive. Keep it locked on and we’ll keep sharing our favourite spots in future posts.