Not Your Typical Japanese Shrine: Akagi Jinja (赤城神社), Kagurazaka, Tokyo, Japan

If you go to Japan, you will inevitably visit temples and shrines. Temples are associated with Buddhism and shrines, called jinja (神社, じんじゃ) in Japanese, with the native Shinto religion. Customs and practices are different between the two, and these places of worship can be found in all parts of Japan from the largest cities to the smallest village. There are an estimated 80,000+ Shinto shrines in Japan [1] and the common picture that comes to mind is that of a traditional well preserved building that has graced the area for a long time. That picture is true for most shrines in Japan, but not for the Akagi Jinja (赤城神社). The Akagi Jinja has been in the Kagurazaka neighborhood in Tokyo since the 1500's [2], but the traditional buildings on the shrine grounds were replaced with a modern architectural interpretation in 2010 by noted Japanese architect Kuma Kengo. He also designed the condominiums adjacent to the shrine, which has a café open to the public on the first floor. Having condominiums with a café on shrine grounds is highly unusual in Japan. This modern interpretation of a Japanese shrine is unique and worth a visit when you're in Tokyo. The shrine is an easy two minute walk from Kagurazaka Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line.