Tokyo is a city where the past and future blend together in a one-of-a-kind vibe. Beneath the skyscrapers, little alleys packed with bars crowd together, and big screens play cool visuals right alongside antique neon signs flashing in vibrant colors.
In the middle of all that, there are places known as “Power Spots” that stand out. Just being there feels kind of magical, like you can actually feel a boost of energy—and who knows, maybe a little good luck will come your way, too. So here are my picks for Tokyo’s special Power Spots!.
What is Power Spots?
“Power Spots” are special places where people go to feel refreshed, inspired, or just to soak up some good vibes—whether it’s a peaceful shrine, a hidden garden, or a quiet temple tucked away in the city. In Tokyo, despite being a bustling city, there are several power spots where people go to experience this calming, revitalizing atmosphere—often right in the heart of the urban landscape.
Here are some power spots in Tokyo—why not check them out when you come to Tokyo?
Power Spot ❶ Tokyo’s Biggest Power Spot, Meiji Shrine
Many tourists visiting Tokyo often head to Meiji Shrine (marked as ❶ on the map), which is considered as the largest power spot in the city. While the entire area around the shrine can be considered a power spot, there are some well-known spots within it.
When you enter the shrine grounds from the south side of JR Harajuku Station (marked as ❷ on the map), the first thing you’ll see is the First Torii Gate in the photo.
The pathway that leads from the First Torii Gate to the main hall is known as a Power Spot. As you walk, try stopping every once in a while, closing your eyes, and feeling the energy around you. Doesn’t it feel like your tired body is being recharged with a mysterious power?
The main hall is, of course, the center of the Power Spot. Why not take a moment to join your hands in prayer and quietly offer your respect?
To the south of the main hall, Meiji Jingu Gyoen is a place where you can enjoy the beauty of nature throughout the year.
If you visit around June, you can see 150 varieties of irises, and this is the only place where you can find such a wide variety all in one spot.
Upstream of the pond, there’s the Kiyomasa-No-Ido (Kiyomasa Well) (marked as ❸ on the map), a “dragon’s hole” where good energy is said to emerge.
It’s believed that just setting a photo of it as your phone’s wallpaper can bring you power. This might be the most famous Power Spot in Meiji Jingu!
⇒ Click here for info on the Meiji Shrine area!
Power Spot ❹ Enshrined one of Japan’s Great Vengeful Spirits, Tomb of Taira no Masakado
They say this spot is where the head of Taira no Masakado—one of Japan’s Three Great Vengeful Spirits—was buried. In the 10th century, Masakado led a rebellion in the Kanto region (including Tokyo Area), but he was executed in Kyoto. Legend has it, though, that his head flew all the way back to Tokyo!
Even though this spot is close to the Imperial Palace and right on Tokyo’s prime real estate, there’s really nothing except a small stone monument. They say that past attempts to relocate it led to accidents—even deaths—among those involved.
It’s said to bring good luck for winning competitions and making wishes come true!
⇒ Click here for info on the area around the Tomb of Taira no Masakado!
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Power Spot ❺ Kanda Myojin (Shrine), Guardian Deity of Tokyo
After visiting the Tomb of Taira no Masakado, it is definitely recommended to stop by Kanda Myojin Shrine as well!
It enshrines Taira no Masakado and is considered the guardian deity of Tokyo.
After defeated by the Kyoto government (the current Emperor’s ancestors) and his death, various supernatural occurrences were attributed to him, and he became feared as a vengeful spirit in Japan.
However, in the 14th century, during the outbreak of a epidemic, his image transformed, and he came to be revered as the guardian deity of Tokyo through proper rituals.
This history may serves as a reminder in the mythological realm that distinctions between good and evil can easily change.
Along with Taira no Masakado, it also enshrines Daikoku-Sama, the god of matchmaking, and Ebisu-Sama, the god of fortune and prosperity. The statue in the photo is Daikoku-Sama.
Power Spot ❻ Fuji-Zuka at Naruko Tenjinsha
Mt. Fuji is considered Japan’s largest power spot, and to receive its blessings, small replicas known as Fuji-Zuka have been built in various locations around Tokyo. One such example is the Fuji-Zuka at Naruko Tenjinsha.
This shrine is also an intriguing place, so taking a leisurely stroll around the area is highly recommended. This shrine boasts a history of over 1100 years and, despite being completely surrounded by towering skyscrapers now, it remains a mysterious space with a pure and otherworldly atmosphere.
Heading towards the main hall and taking the left path, you’ll come across Fuji-Zuka. It’s crafted using lava rocks from Mt. Fuji, giving it a charming and unique appearance. It’s one of the large-scale Fuji-Zuka sites in Tokyo where you can actually climb. (as of December 2023). However, due to the surrounding skyscrapers, unfortunately, you can’t directly gaze at Mt. Fuji from here. Well, it can’t be helped, so facing west where Mt. Fuji is, clasp your hands and make a wish.
⇒ Click here for info on the area around Naruko Tenjinsha!
Power Spot ❼ Shinagawa Fuji (Fuji-Zuka) at Shinagwa-Jinjya (Shrine)
Once you pass through the main gate of Shinagawa Shrine and start climbing the stone steps, you’ll find a Torii Gate on your left along the way. It leads to Shinagawa Fuji. After passing through this Torii Gate and ascending a bit, you’ll encounter a steep staircase. Alongside the staircase, there are chains to assist you in climbing. It’s said to be the tallest Fuji-Zuka in Tokyo, standing at a height of 15 meters.
From the summit of Shinagawa Fuji, you can enjoy sweeping views of the Shinagawa area, giving you a feeling akin to climbing a real mountain. It’s quite remarkable!
Don’t forget to face west towards real Mt. Fuji, offer a prayer, and perhaps make a special wish.
On your way back, if you choose the path leading into the shrine grounds, there’s no need to rely on the chains for descending.
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Power Spot ❽ Nuke Benten (Itsukushima Shrine)
Nuke Benten (also known as Itsukushima Shrine) is a small shrine named for commonly passing through its grounds from north to south. Despite its modest size, the shrine has a rich history dating back to around 1086. Situated between busy roads, its small precincts feature a pond, exuding a charming, almost miniature-like quality reminiscent of a shrine diorama.
This is a place where you can feel a special aura just by standing there. If you’re ever near Shinjuku, you definitely have to check it out!
⇒ Click here for info on the area around Nuke Benten!
Power Spot ❾ Shrine dedicated to the Deity of Poverty, Ushitenjin Kitano Shrine
Last but not least, let me introduce a shrine dedicated to a truly unique deity. Ota Shrine could be the only one dedicated to the Deity of Poverty.
The Deity of Poverty is not usually welcomed, but in the Edo period, a Samurai living near this shrine treated the Deity of Poverty with great reverence, and as a result, he was blessed with immense fortune. This story led to a strong devotion from the people. Let’s receive blessings from the Deity of Poverty!
The photo is the main shrine next to Ota Shrine, Ushitenjin Kitano Shrine, which is dedicated to Tenjin, the Deity of Learning.
In the precincts of the main shrine, there is a stone, Ushi-Ishi, shaped like a cow, as shown in the photo. There’s a legend that if you touch the stone while making a wish, it will come true. It might be a good idea to touch the stone before you leave!
⇒ Click here for info on the area around Ushitenjin Kitano Shrine!
So, what do you think? Pretty clear now that Tokyo’s a city where the past and future blend together, right?
In this ever-changing city, it seems like the places that stay the same are often tied to Power Spots. Sure, exploring Japan’s history and nature is great, but if you check out these unchanging spots—places that bridge the past and future—you might just experience a side of Japan you can’t get from regular sightseeing.