Nezu Jinja is a fairly unassuming shrine (compared to some others) in the township of Nezu near the greater city of Ueno. As a shrine which is ornate but not pompous, Nezu Jinja is a beautiful shrine nestled in a wooded park with its design based on the famous Nikko Tôshôgû. It was moved to its current location in the mid 17th century by the fifth shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi when he announced that Tokugawa Ienobu would be his successor. Yet for its subdued nature, Nezu Jinja is a major cultural shrine to Japan. Originally built almost two thousand years ago in Sendagi just north of Nezu, it was founded by the legendary Prince Ôsu, also known as Yamato Takeru no Mikato, son of the 12th Emperor of Japan. The story of Yamato Takeru is Japan's version of the Arthurian legend, so although the real origin of the shrine may not be known, the fact that it is associated with such a major figure in Japanese legend suggests that the shrine is a very important one all the same.

For the casual: 8. For the educated: 10.

Nezu Jinja is a major historical shrine but it is matched with its beauty. Modeled after Nikko Tôshôgû, it is made of painted wood, gold, and various other ornamentation. Apart from the main shrine, there is also Komagome Inari Jinja which is dedicated to the crafty foxes who protect crops from rats and other pests. This shine has tunnels made of small tori gates which line the path. Below a large koi pond with a little water fall follows the main path.