Awesome place to go see. A must go destination in Tokyo. It does get very busy so I recommend taking the train but there is parking available nearby too. So many cool thing to see here and do. A great day trip location. So many shops and restaurants and neat things to take pictures of.

Absolutely one of my favorite spots in Tokyo. Yes, very touristy but if you want iconic photos I'd argue this is THE spot for them. Lots of food and trinket vendors in the area and if you time it well, you may catch a local celebration which brings even more energy and food vendors to the area! As a bonus, you can purchase a range of blessings inside the temple. There are a range of Wonderful and historical items to view in this general area as well.

We went there at 8am as it is a stone away from our accommodation. It was raining that morning so maybe that is the reason why only a few tourists are there, and we pass by the stores that mostly close at that time. Lovely to see the intricate connection details, the big lantern, pagoda, and the main temple. After a short tour, we decided to buy some snacks that are filled with red beans and it was delicious. When we are heading outside the temple at 9am, we were greeted by the big influx of tourist.

The place was crowded but it was well worth it. Many stone carvings and statues around the grounds. There were lots of stands selling things or all types statues, mask, food and other souvenir worthy things. The temple itself was beautiful. A whole lotta red. You can pray or give thanks and they sell charms inside too.

The temple buildings and grounds are beautiful. The architecture is stunning, grounds immaculate, and vibe amazing for Tokyo. Coming from the main gate, you go through many vendors selling food, drinks, and souvenirs before you get to the temple itself. It's an extremely touristy in that area, and after early morning, it gets extremely busy and crowded. After you pass the crowds in the street market, it gets quieter so you can enjoy the temple itself more. So whether you go for the street vendor atmosphere or the temple itself, it's definitely worth a visit.

Visited before during the day in the past, felt like I was drifting in a sea of people, ha ha. This time I visited at night on a weekday and it was awesome; fewer people and the structures were far more vivid at night under both spotlight and moonlight. Surrounded by markets and restaurants, cool place for a late night stroll. Pagoda was my favourite structure overall, seemed like fewer people were interested in it for some reason.

Beautiful and must not be missed on your Tokyo trip. Best if you go early in the morning to avoid congestion at the temple. Arrive by 8am to enjoy and watch the shops open and begin to fill. Plan to spend a few hours here enjoying the architecture, traditions, food and other vendors. You will not be disappointed.

Sensoji is a very famous temple in Tokyo. Everyone knows this place. I often go to this place to shop at the shops around the temple or to take pictures with the beautiful scenery here. This place is always crowded with visitors especially on holidays. Many Japanese people come to pray at the shrine here. But for a foreigner like me, this place has become a favorite tourist spot in Tokyo.

This temple is a good start for new tourist to Japan. A long shopping street leading to the temple is nice for photos or souvenirs. sellers are nice, can speak English, offer Japanese stuff. The surrounding is full of restaurant and all kinds of Japanese food and desserts. Tourists are crowded in the front of the temple but getting inside will give you more air and better photos. You can also see Tokyo Tower from here.

One of the famous places must go in Tokyo, Japan. The shrine is crowded all the time; along the way to the main shrine, you will find souvenir shops where people shops for snacks and window shopping. Also, Japanese wears by travelers are also popular there. The shrine inside is less crowded and travelers are pay respect and meditation pray there for happiness and etc.

Very crowded and popular tourist attraction. I went on the weekend and I am sure it was much busier than on a weekday. I came by train and the station was very close and convenient and very crowded. Many tourists were dressed in traditional Japanese kimonos which made the experience particularly nice. The temple itself is very beautiful. There were a lot of people burning incense which I assume has some religious significance. Also there are these boxes that have fortune telling papers. You shake a container and randomly pull a stick out of it which has a number which tells you which drawer to get your fortune. The adjacent shopping area has a huge selection of shops selling traditional Japanese souvenirs and products. Also many restaurants offering primarily Japanese cuisine including Sushi restaurants. This tourist attraction is well worth a visit for the ambience alone but also for shopping and eating.

It was my first time at this beautiful temple. I was super busy, lots of people came to visit and definitely could see why. There were lots of small shops and food stalls. When you made it to the temple it was stunning. There was also lots of shine and a beautiful little garden you can walk through. I would definitely recommend coming to see this temple. Five out of five

You guys probably already know that this is an amazing great tourist attraction to visit. Even though the vendors are closed in the evening or at night, I recommend coming here at night as the shrine and temples are nicely lit and it is just different vibe compared to during the day. It is also less crowded for all the introverts who just want to enjoy a stroll. If you come at night when the shops are closed, you can see the mural paintings depicting the festivities that occur in the shrine throughout time. It is pretty cool.

This beautiful temple is not just a cultural marvel but also a hub for local businesses. Street like Food stalls to charming souvenir shops, it's a delightful marketplace. Consider renting a kimono for an immersive experience. We explored day and night; the crowd was manageable, and lines were short. The temple grounds are free, with stunning landscaping. While there's a fee for full temple access, the partial view is beautiful. A must-visit iconic spot for tourists in Tokyo, blending tradition with commerce.

An iconic location for Tokyo. A must visit for tourists. Tons of small shops around that sell food and goodies. You have to expect crowds. We went in the late evening, so we couldn’t get inside. Everything is beautiful and well maintained. You can pay 100 yens for trying a fortune. If you get a bad fortune, just fold it and tie it to the string. On a nice day you can see the Tokyo sky tree from there too.

It’s one of the main tourist attractions in Tokyo. Beautifully constructed temple in Tokyo. Lots of shops are available on both sides of the lane in the temple. It’s also called as Asakusa temple. Night view is really awesome. During Sakura season it’s a delight to see the beauty. It’s of the picturesque spots in Tokyo. Every photographer in Tokyo will atleast have 50-100 pics of Sensoji temple. It’s the first temple I visited in Tokyo. So I personally like this place. A must visit temple to any foreigner in Tokyo who believes in god.

It’s even more amazing at night. A definite must see for any traveler/tourist when visiting Tokyo. So many cool shops around the temple as well. Great place for photo opportunities and enjoying the whole Japanese experience.

Beautiful Buddhist temple, centrally located and easily accessible by public transport. Get there early in the day for a less crowded experience, however before 10/10.30AM you’ll likely find most of the shops still closed. You’ll find public restrooms and some food stalls. Food isn’t great but not bad either.

We came here ourselves and not with a tour group. This temple and the whole complex is bigger than we realised, and it was definitely worth coming to see and so remarkable. There were just far too many people at the main gate and along the main street leading to the main great. With the benefit of hindsight, we should have come here early in the day, and not mid afternoon. Absolutely stunning and definitely worth seeing, but be prepared for all the people.

During my visit to Tokyo, Japan in 2019. I had a wonderful time visiting and exploring the various cultural opportunities the country provided. Ranging from historical landmarks, to temples, to delicious food stalls and souvenir shops that offer a variety of goodies to take back home.

This place was bigger than I expected. We visited here on a National Holiday. It was crowded but we managed to move around easily. You can visit this place in 30 minutes or longer depending on the time you have. We spent about an hour here and I felt it was plenty of time. It's worth the visit, and there is no entry fee.

I love this place. It’s so relaxing and peaceful. There’s also many stores surrounding the temple where you can enjoy buying food, souvenirs, or just walking around. It remind me of a anime and feels unreal. We went late at night and there was still a lot of people and the surrounding of this temple have so much late lights restaurants. I love the atmosphere and highly recommend coming here.

Cool place, but it's a tourist trap. You need a paid guide to tell you where you can buy things at cheaper prices. The gates and overall market is cool, but not alike any other "Chinese town" (obviously this is japanese) from anywhere. Well on that point, I wish we had "Japanese towns" everywhere.

The must visit place in Tokyo in my opinion. This whole area is worth spending a day in. A perfect mix of old, and new. You will be amazed at the age and beauty here. This is what I thought Japan would be like. It is a little crowded but everyone was so nice and helpful. Shops everywhere with awesome souvenirs at every price range. You are missing out if you don't go here. Enjoy and best wishes.

The temple is truly majestic! Its grand, solid architecture and vibrant colors stand out. Particularly famous for its colossal lanterns at the entrance, guiding visitors into the magnificent hall. Surrounding the temple are numerous shops offering food and various trinkets. An enjoyable activity is dressing up in a Kimono and strolling toward the temple for picturesque moments. You'll find several excellent rental shops near the entrance. Located just a 10-minute walk from the rail station, plan for 1-2 hours to explore the temple and its surroundings. If you're opting for the Kimono experience, allocate a generous 3-4 hours for a leisurely stroll. They also offer handwritten goshuin, making it a definite must-visit.

Very busy with lots of families. But honestly, it just gave off a lively experience. There are market shops and little food stalls along the main walkway. The temple is simply impressive. Beautiful architecture. I loved reading the signs about the history. Finding out that I had a “regular fortune” for ¥100 was honestly hilarious and nothing short of expected. Overall, it was a great experience and I definitely recommend.

Came in the morning and night, and was surprised at how different the vibes are. Hands down I liked night better as it’s more tranquil and more temple vibes compared to morning where there are so many tour groups even though we came at 9am. The temple looks nice when lit up too. Maybe it’s nicer if the sky is clear as we went on a cloudy day. See pictures for comparison. Can go there both morning and night to see the difference for yourself.

Beautiful temple providing a nice oasis amidst the bustling Tokyo city, but extremely packed with tourists. The otherwise peaceful nature of the temples and the garden are not noticeable amongst the chaotic crowds jostling for the best angle for a photo op. Leading up to and encircling the temple grounds are vendors galore - food, snacks, trinkets, souvenirs, you name it. I stopped and got some street food nearby which was pretty good and capped my visit to Asakusa by walking along the waterway to admire the cherry blossom trees. As long as you don’t mind the crazy crowds, then this is a must-see spot in Tokyo.

Went here early morning November 2023. The best time to go is really early in the day, otherwise it would be packed and difficult to go through. Lots of shops leading up to the temple but they look like tourist traps. The temple though is beautiful, even the gardens outside. A bit further out is a memorial garden dedicated to haiku poets.

Must visit shrine in Tokyo! It's really crowded during the day, but it didn't really bother us very much. I also really recommend going at night, where the shrine is lit up beautifully. There's also food stalls and shop in the streets around the shrine and the area is very beautiful. Don't miss this place when coming to Tokyo!!

Must-go place in Tokyo. Even though the place was extremely crowded, we enjoyed the Asakusa temples and neighborhood. Along the way you will find many unique vendors and fun eateries. So many people walked around with beautiful kimono. Highly recommend this place to visit while in Tokyo.

My hubby and I visited the temple during the day and at night. If you want to see the temple without the crowds (and be able to read the signs), I'd highly recommend going early in the morning (before 8am) or at night. It's an incredible temple and regardless of your religious or spiritual views, it will be worth the visit.

The temple as well as the Asakusa neighborhood are beautiful, although the latter can feel a bit touristy. It is a very popular destination in Tokyo, a must see, so even though we arrived relatively early (8 AM), the place was already pretty crowded making it hard to take good photos and enjoy the site. It probably didn't help that it was on a week-end, during cherry blossom season. By 10 AM, the place was so packed that it was hard to move around, let alone take any photos. So lesson learn, better arrive early to beat the crowd and have a more pleasant experience.

A piece of perfectly kept serenity in the middle of the city. Adjacent to the Imperial Palace, open to the public. Spacious, green and zen. Visited on a Saturday, and wasn’t too busy. Had a wonderful leisurely stroll around the complex.

We really enjoyed the architecture here. You can go here if you feel like going the history lane. The area is immense. Prepare to walk a lot so maybe wear something comfortable. A historical site in a middle of modern city, it's amazing if you think about it.

Very beatiful gardens, absolutely worth a visit. The most stunning time to visit is from spring to fall. But even if you come to Japan in winter don't let that deter you from going. There's still a lot of flowers blooming and a lot of trees with beatiful foliage. The entry is free and requires no registration (unlike the palace ground tours), but absolutely make sure to check admission times. It's open 5 days a week. I first went there on a Friday and it was closed, so learn from my experience. If you have any bags they will be checked before entering. Aside from the obvious things you're not allowed to bring (weapons, etc.) you're also not allowed to bring drones.

Huge garden. I wish the weather was nicer when I went but it was cool enough to enjoy the long walk through the garden. Got to see guards and horses in fancy uniform. Some hilly areas so it feels like a hike. There is a security check but you can basically bring anything that's not dangerous. There are bathrooms and some vending machines at the entrance you can use.

I've been here as a child and adult now, and I can say I still would love to go visit with nothing planned for the day. Just to hang out in the garden again. Besides running up Mt.fuji this was my favorite times in Japan. I rembered to take a photo of the places that I could visually imagine when I was younger. The memories will last untill I do, the pictures may turn to 0101000110100(data) remember to enjoy your surroundings.

Free entry and peaceful environment to be in. Great historic place. Interesting in a very modern city. New and old experiences. Plants and flowers are very well kept.

We visited in summer time. The gardens are full of lush greenery hydrangea, japonica, grasses, trees, simply beautiful. There a city views, plenty of restrooms and vending machines with cold drinks and snacks.

Nice place to visit. Peaceful ands spacious. Not many things to watch but, if you want to enjoy traditional Japanese edo culture, then it is worth to visit. In hot summer, it is highly recommended to prepare water to walk. It is large place but little sits to have rest. You need to show your bag in front of this palace to enter.

My hubby and I visited the gardens on a rainy day and we enjoyed our walk through the gardens. There is a variety of flowers and trees to admire with flat walking surfaces (and some paths with slight inclines). There are a number of maps around the gardens which makes it easier to navigate and get your bearings. There are some historical buildings with history of their use/significance which adds to the experience. A very picturesque garden with historical significance. Well worth the visit if you're in the area and there are multiple entry/exit points. No tickets/entry fee is required.

Enjoying a walk through the East Garden of the Imperial Palace, while seeing a wide variety of trees and flowers. There are a bunch of beautiful autumn colors here.

This garden is so tranquil and beautiful. Cherry blossom has started and we got to take some really beautiful pictures. In my opinion this is a must go when visit Tokyo.

Beautiful well maintained vast gardens with an impressive variety of trees. A peaceful place where nature is at its best and a great contrast to the lively modern aspects of Tokyo. PS: We thoroughly loved Tokyo in particular, Japan in general. Japan is a country we were hoping to visit one day, and after years of waiting, we finally did visit Japan and what a beautiful country with beautiful landscapes , great food, superb culture, amazing architectures. Can't wait to visit Japan again. And Tokyo is a must-see!

The edo castle ruins are extremely basic, not much to look at or from. The garden is vast and requires a lot of walking depending on where you enter and what you want to see. The pond is by far the best part. Many parts seen on the map are not open to the public! You cannot get anywhere near the palace without booking a guided tour first.

Beautiful large property. Some gates are closed not allowing to exit. Even if couldn't get admission to the palace, you can still walk around the gardens. We were lucky to walk by the grounds when samurai training was happening so it was really cool to hear and peak at it through the bushes.

Nice and peaceful stroll along the tranquil garden, you can read some history of the Royal Family along the way. It's free visit but watch out for the open days and special events that may not be opened (currently it's Friday).

The East Gardens are beautiful. Definitely felt very historic. We had fun walking around the grounds and exploring. Although you cannot directly see the Palace from the gardens, nor are they attached, the gardens are still worth visiting. However, on a really sunny day I highly suggest you bring an umbrella. It can get pretty bright and hot around the grounds.

Free to visit, very peaceful gardens with historic buildings and ruins throughout. Easy to access, this garden will provide a great experience for anyone of any age or ability. My favorite part was the Tokyo skyline showing behind the trees, the contrast of historic and natural scenery to the modern and shining skyline was a beautiful sight. Informational plaques are located throughout the park, and offer descriptions both in Japanese and English. There are also several restrooms and seating areas, as well as maps to find them easier.

We went when it was Free to visit, and it was pretty nice! Lots of open spaces to talk around, and a good amount of information to read on displays. It's nice that they were in Japanese and English. No trees blooming, as we visited early February, but it was still nice to walk through everything.

Huge area to walk around, some areas have been blocked for access. It was quite hot today and I couldn't find any refreshment, so advise bringing a bottle of water with you. The area includes several ruins, a nice little garden area around a small lake and the "Museum of the Imperial Collections". But please note, you can't buy tickets at the museum, only on the internet.

Stunningly beautiful place to visit. I went in December when most of the trees had lost their leaves already for the year. But some still were nice reds and yellows. This place is a must see in the Spring for the Sakuras and many flowers it has and the fall for all the colors!

I visited this place on Sunday. A lot of police blocking the way, checking bags in several points. Never got to see the palace near enough, only a miniature in an exhibition room. Every where was crowded. Police did not allow drinking or eating during walking the park streets. I believe everyone was confused. Few Sakura 🌸 with flowers. Plenty of restroom.

Admission is free. The Gardens are situated at the eastern part of the Imperial Palace used to be the Edo Castle ruins that were built back in the year 1888. Has a huge gorgeous landscaped garden with a wide variety of trees, flowers and woodlands in four seasons. This place requires a long walk for a day to enjoy this breathtaking place. Be sure to have bottled water. It's a picturesque scenery definitely worth a visit.

One of the must do things in Tokyo. The garden is vast and beautiful. I bet it is more vibrant in summer. If you find a cloudy day it will be perfect or go in early morning to soak in the smell of morning dew. The place was very serene and calming.

Absolutely stunning gardens. We were intending to go to the palace but after learning no one can go in (because the imperial family lives there) we went to the gardens instead and I’m so glad we did. Free to enter, they just have to check your bag for security purposes. Wide green lawn in the middle which we laid down on and relaxed, lots of little paths which led to little towers and buildings all of which had cool historic information about the area. There’s also a small lake to one side with lots of koi fish, a small waterfall and pretty landscaping. Highly recommend.

Just a stone's throw away from Tokyo Station, the Tokyo Imperial Palace offers a serene escape right in the heart of the bustling city. The proximity doesn't detract from its peacefulness; instead, it adds a layer of convenience to the experience. Strolling through the palace grounds, one can't help but appreciate the seamless blend of historical elegance and urban ease. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a tranquil break without straying far from the city's pulse.

An absolute delight! My girlfriend and I absolutely loved our time at the temple! It is situated in a very beautiful and quiet neighborhood that was a delight to stroll through. The temple grounds are immaculately kept with signs in English directing you to the activities available such as getting your fortune told and hanging a prayer sign. The ever growing collection of the original waving cat was an incongruous and delightful section of the serene grounds. Give yourself an hour to stroll through the beautiful temple, snap some pics, and buy a cute souvenir cat to bring yourself good luck!

Naturally I picked the hottest and suniest day to visit a temple out in the hear and sun. I had sweet forming on my sweet. But it was very much worth it. Out in a rural area, the temple is surrounded by maple trees, crows, and lots and lots of cat statues to see. One can even invite a cat statue home for good luck and good fortune. The staff were kind and helped me invite two to bring home. Here's to hoping they bring some good luck.

My trip to this temple was a unique blend of cultural exploration and feline fascination.Choosing to visit at the behest of my cat-living wife, the temple's reputation as the "lucky cat temple" piqued our curiosity. The serene atmosphere, juxtaposed with the whimsical charm of countless cat 🐈 figurines created an enchanting experience. Our visit took an exciting turn when we learnt that purchasing cat figurines was limited to one per person as they could not keep up with production demands. Each figurine seemed to embody its own unique charm, reflecting the tradition and spirituality intertwined with the feline motif.

Absolutely adorable temple, a bit away from the main areas of Tokyo however well worth the visit. This is the origin of the waving paw cat and it is filled with them to remind you The shrine is on a quite vast area, a nice walk away from the busy city life

A lot less crowded than expected! Recommend going at 4 pm. It’s very calm and pretty, the cats are really cute. We went on a Friday in the spring season and there weren’t that much tourists. The staff was very friendly and only said that we needed to go when it was exactly 5 pm.

“Maneki-Neko” beckoning cat figurines Everywhere!!! This is where you’ll see many cats, each of which is an offering to the temple. When you’re done admiring that cats, you can decide if you’d like to place an offering yourself. Make a wish, buy a figurine, when it comes true, offer it back to the temple. From the outside, this temple looks no different from many others. It’s beautiful with greenery and has a cemetery too. You can also buy one of these “ema,” or boards where you can write a wish on the back. Great for: ✔︎ A strange and fun experience ✔︎ Photography ✔︎ Break from your stressful job Temple is a bit out of the way, but worth checking out if you’re done seeing most of the major things in Tokyo. You’ll probably find a few other tourists. Just 250m from Miyanosaka Station. Note: Sakura 🌸🌸had started to bloom

When I visited the area was quiet and devoid of crowds which was peaceful. The main cat temple is currently closed due to construction but there were shelves of cats surrounding the construction area to look at. Gift shop was open and got a cute cat charm as well. Definitely will return once construction completes!

This was a fantastic experience. There’s much more here than just the area with tons of lucky cats! It was beautiful. I was extremely excited that there was a spot for you to buy your own lucky cat to take home! They had multiple sizes at multiple different prices. The one I got was ¥800 and I will cherish it forever. We even came here on a Saturday and it wasn’t very busy at all! I absolutely recommend visiting here!

Can't go wrong w cats :) Well-kept, beautiful shrine with many cat figurines. You can buy your own cats to contribute too! It's a bit out of the way tranit-wise, but worth it to see a more unique shrine.

Very serene temple located 10 mins away from Gotokuji station. This temple is famous as a temple dedicated to cats. Just behind the main temple hall, you can see rows of white cat figurines offered and placed there by visitors. The temple itself extols a sense of tranquility and peacefulness with its lush garden. Next to the temple is the cemetery of the feudal lord family who is said to have built the temple in honor of the cat that led him to safety and refuge during a wicked storm.

The popular lucky cats are only a small part of this beautiful shrine. Be sure to take a walk around the other areas of the shrine. You can also bring home a lucky cat from the temple for good fortune. They are for sale at the counter. I was lucky to catch the manekineko train from the nearby station.

Beautiful temple! I had heard a few people say that the cat figurine area of the temple was too small but I was pleasantly surprised. Other than the cats the rest of the buildings were very pretty. Definitely worth the visit and the nearby area also has great things to offer!

Also called Cat Temple, this place is a nice short visit for those looking to see more temples, or if you like cats. Near the end there is a small store where you can get 7 different sizes of the maneki-neko, also called the beckoning cat. Be prepared to wait in line for awhile though as this is a popular tourist spot and attracts many visitors from all over the world.

This is one of the famous cat 😺 temples in Tokyo. If you have any wishes, you can buy the cat from the temple. Once the urge becomes true, you need to return the cat to the temple. It is traditional in this temple.

Beautiful temple. I came on a rainy day, so there were not too many people. There are many cherry blossoms in the grounds. They have limited merchandise, so they only allow you to buy 1 of each size cat. While it was far from where we stayed, I’m glad I made the trip out here.

Small less-popular and free entry temple with lots of lucky cats! We were there last week of June, not rainy but less people. But the train is always packed. Beware of mosquitoes - we could see them biting us even as we swatted them away. The lucky cats can be bought starting at ¥500 for tiny pebble sized ones and increasing with size.

Peaceful temple with lots of lucky cats. Off the beaten path a bit but only a short walk from the nearest train station. Free to visit and beautiful walking grounds. We came right when it opened and had the place almost all to ourselves. As a cat lover this was worth a short visit during our time in Tokyo.

Very beautiful temple to visit. Definitely a tourist must do. It’s nice just to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city and spend some time in a more relaxed area. Not a far walk from the train station. At the time I went in Oct 2023, you could only purchase one lucky cat per person because of shortages. We arrived at about 9:30 am and it was raining so there weren’t many people around.

Gotokuji Temple in Tokyo is a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle. The serene atmosphere and cute cat statues make it a unique and charming spot to visit. It's definitely worth checking out if you're in the area and want to experience some Japanese culture and tranquility.

Very unique temple- for all the cats :) it's full of cherry trees so should be really beautiful in the spring. Saying that, I would go all the way just to see it, not if it's far away from your usual route.

Be sure to get your lucky cats before 3pm! We were too late and got there by 3:30 pm. The shop was closed 😔 This is truly a hidden gem in Setagaya. It’s worth coming out of your way for. Sakura was also beautiful. Taken on 4/4/24.

Took a slow walk through a sleepy town from the rail station. There are food stalls, flower shops, supermarkets along the way. The temple is indeed an interesting visit. 1000s of lucky cats filled the entrance to the temple. Nice walk and after the temple, you can also stroll into the cemetery. So peaceful and beautiful. Well worth the visit

I love this place. So serene and peaceful. I'm a cat lover and was so thrill to visit this place. I would visit the place again when I visit Tokyo next time. However, I deduct 1 stars becuase the store that selling amulets is closed at 15:00. I wish they were open until the temple is closed at 17:00 ;(

Not many tourists or visitors during my visit here in late Oct 23. Entrance is free of charge. The temple is very peaceful and quiet, the place was very well maintained just like most Japanese Temples. You can enhance your experience going there taking the cat themed train as well. Highly recommended to visit.

Get off the Gotokuji subway station and walk slowly for 10-15 minutes. Along the way are local residences. Quiet and peaceful. Many people buy cat products sold in the temple. Generally small ones are often sold out, if you want luck.

I was excited to see this temple with all the cats! They sell the cat statues in different sizes and also wooden plaques and the line can get busy. We purchased two small cat statues to take home as keepsakes. It is not a very big temple but definitely a nice peaceful spot amidst a residential area. Everyone was excitedly taking photos but it is very easy to knock over and break the cat statues if youre not careful. It is about 15 mins walk from Gotokuji station. Free to enter.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ My visit to Takaosan Yakuōin Yukiji Temple was truly memorable, combining spirituality with adventure amidst the stunning natural beauty of Mount Takao. The trekking experience leading up to the temple was invigorating, offering breathtaking views of lush forests and serene landscapes along the way. The well-marked trails and gentle slopes made the ascent enjoyable for adventurers of all levels. Upon reaching the temple, I was greeted by a sense of tranquility and reverence. The ancient architecture and serene surroundings provided a serene sanctuary for reflection and meditation. The temple's history and cultural significance added depth to the experience, making it more than just a stop along the trail. After exploring the temple grounds, I opted for the ropeway descent, which offered a thrilling aerial perspective of the mountain and surrounding area. The panoramic views were simply spectacular, making the descent both exhilarating and memorable. While my experience was nearly flawless, I deducted one star due to the occasional crowds and wait times, particularly during peak seasons. Despite this minor inconvenience, Takaosan Yakuōin Yukiji Temple remains a must-visit destination for nature lovers, spiritual seekers, and adventure enthusiasts alike.

Love this place I try to get here as much as I can. This time I did the full hike which only took less than 1.5hr to the top. Unfortunately trails 4 and 6 were covered in snow so I’ll be back on a warmer day. Great views of Fuji-San on this day.

If you love hiking, this is the place for beginners to go up to the top and on a good clear day, Mt. Fuji can be seen. A good attraction just outside Tokyo central (1hr 20+ mins from Shinjuku)

Beautiful shrine with a lot of statues. The design on the door of the temple is really amazing. It’s near from the takao summit.

Beautiful Temple in the Mountain represent mountain god (tengu). Statues of the gods, one with a long nose and one with a crow beak, can be found at the temple and also other spots around the mountain.

Very beautiful and I interesting place. Not too crowded on a Sunday. Cooler than being in the city. If you take the lift the walk up the mountain isn't too steep. You can visit with children.

Yakuoin Temple [高尾山藥王院] of Takao Mountain, initially built in 744 AD, worships the Medicine God, although current major worship halls were built in 1729 and 1753 and were renovated and expanded a few times in 18th and 19th centuries. While visitors of Yakuoin Temple may be impressed at Temple complex, but mountain road from cable car station of Yakuoin Temple to the Temple itself is an ultimate tour attraction because it has many maple leaves trees and other types of trees, especially cedar trees. Temple does have cedar Tree project to increase planting cedar trees after evidence indicates that its initially planted cedar trees did survive the hurricane and became the windbreak for the temple and mountain road. Both Yakuoin Temple and Takao Mountain are popular spots for religious worshippers and non-religious visitors and mountain hikers and climbers. Thus, rail transportations and cable trains/cars to the Takao Mountain can be long waiting in weekends, holidays, and in religious days. To save time for waiting for ticket purchase for cable trains/cars, it is better for visitors to buy discounted packaged tickets for Keio Rail Tickets and Cable Trains/Cars, and visitors can save time for waiting for ticket purchase. However, in weekends and holidays, almost every spot, including toilets, ice cream shops, and temple's service counters, have long lines and require wait time of 20 minutes or longer. While Temple does not disallow visitors to bring their pets to the Temple, it is probably safer for visitors not to bring their pets to visit the Temple when there are huge crowds of visitors. Pets should not feel pressure for congestion either.

Took cable car up Mt Takao. The cable car is the steepest one in Japan. From the drop off point, we still have to walk to the temple. We passed many trees, monuments, statues, shops, attractions , people before we reach the temple.

Nice hike close to Tokyo about an hour from central, lots of beautiful temples and shrines and feels really good to be walking amongst nature. Family friendly, you can choose to go up and down by cable car or hike up with many different trails with varying difficulty. Going in summer can be very challenging due to the heat and humidity even on the easiest track (track 1), and is actually a bit steep. While the walk itself was nice, the view at the end was underwhelming but maybe that was because of the cloudy weather.

Gorgeous! The hike to the top of the mountain was tough for this family but so worth it. We took the ski lift on the way down to rest our legs. It was so worth every step. We had a beautiful view of Tokyo and Mount Fuji. We visited the monkey park. Our boys loved it!

The autumn foliage is lovely to view here. It is pretty accessible too, as there are cable cars and chair lifts to this area. There are plenty of vendors selling festival type foods too~ But it is very busy because of the festival. And if you collect Goshuin, expect to wait in long line. It is peak season, so it is understandable, but it took about an 1 hour and 45 minutes to get the stamp on a weekday. If you do want a stamp, come early~

Nice temple at the top is a small mountain. Pretty peaceful.

Came here for the Sengoku history, very nice area.

It was closed when I arrived, so couldn't go inside. Finally can only see from the outside. This castle was built on a very large land. The Castle building is still there, standing strong and strong.

I had no idea that Oshijo Castle was a historically important place, but as I was passing by, The Gyoda City Museum, which is attached to the I stopped by and found it to be quite a spectacular place. The park at the castle ruins is well maintained and beautiful. Because it was a weekday, there were not so many visitors, so I was able to enjoy a leisurely tour of the park. Gyoda City is a fascinating place with many historical buildings and ruins.

Oshi Castle Note: parking available The castle grounds and the surrounding areas are free to tour and walk around. They are well kept, have some aesthetic areas for photos and some seating areas to enjoy the peaceful nature of this place. Dogs are also welcomed. Attached to the main castle grounds area is a museum but that does have an entry fee and as I am not wanting to spend much I chose not to go. Overall the place is well preserved but quick to tour if not going to the museum. You can walk around the property in about 10 minutes I would assume the museum adds some time to it.

Oshi Castle was built by Narita’s family in the 15th century. The history was made into a novel “Nobou no Shiro” and then a movie with the same title. Sometimes on Sundays you can watch a samurai performance. In November there is a samurai procession and gun shooting performance.

I had to wait for my dad while he was renewing his drivers license so I was looking for places I can go with my dog. The castle is very well taken care of and there's also an art gallery right across Oshi Castle. If you're a fan of Japanese history, I recommend reading about Oshi castle before going.

Maybe the only "Japanese castle like" thing in Saitama. This is actually the reconstruction of the former Oshi Castle, so do not expect a wooden inside with steep ladders like other ancient castles. Anyway, visiting it you can learn about the history of the area, its samurai clans and the commerce that was once held in Gyōda. Nice to learn some local history.