The Nezu shrine is said to have been established by the legendary priest "Yamato Takeru no Mikoto". In 1705, the 5th Shogun Tsunayosi Tokugawa built the structures that can be seen today.
The 6th shōgun Ienobu subsequently offered three "mikoshi" (portable shrines) to the shrine and created the "Tenka Matsuri" (reign festival). The festival is still held on 21st September.
Because it is one of the oldest original construction remaining in Tokyo, the main hall, two gates and the wall of Nezu Jinja has been designated as an important cultural property.
The Main Hall was designed in red lacquer called "Gongenzukuri". The Gate is clearly influenced by Buddhist style.
The shrine's grounds are known for its plum-blossom in February and especially for its Japanese azaleas ("tsutsuji") and wisteria ("fuji") gardens, blooming from late April to early May.
The Otome Inari (乙女稲荷) lays just beside Nezu Jinja. Like most shrines dedicated to the goddess of rice Inari, it is doted of red torii gates and fox statues ("kitsune").
Nezu Jinja is located near Tokyo university, between Nezu station (Chiyoda line) and Todai-mae station (Namboku line).
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