Religion in Tokyo

Discover 8 places to experience unusual religion in Tokyo.

Tsukiji Hongan-ji Temple

A grand Buddhist temple with Indian influences.

The Lions of Namiyoke Inari Shrine

This shrine, built to protect against destructive waves, is home to two monumental lion heads.

The Zodiac Gods of Horikiri

All 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac are depicted in anthropomorphized deity form.

Buddhist guardian deities.

Shibamata Taishakuten's Sculpture Gallery

A hidden gallery exhibits intricate, decades-old Buddhist reliefs.

Interior.

Tokyo Camii & Turkish Culture Center

Tatar Russian in origin, the largest mosque in Japan is now an Ottoman-style Turkish culture center.

The face of the Buddha.

Ueno Daibutsu

Only the face remains of this giant Buddha statue, which is said to be a source of luck for students.

Jizo statues at Zojoji Temple.

Garden of Unborn Children

Rows of stone statues are dressed up to mourn children that are lost before birth.

Permanently Closed

Catholic iconography at Christon Café.

Christon Café

A Catholicism-themed restaurant where sacrilege is on the menu.