The shrine was founded in 1212 by a samurai who fled after his lord was assassinated, inspired by a dream where he received a glowing mirror from the god of war himself.

A 5,000-year-old Jomon settlement was discovered beneath the shrine grounds in 1950, and you can still see a reconstructed pit dwelling showing how Tokyo's first residents lived.

Stone lanterns along the path were donated by residents forced to leave when the Imperial Army built a massive training ground here in 1909—they're called 'Farewell Monuments.'

Despite being surrounded by dense forest in the middle of Tokyo, summer visitors report almost no mosquito bites thanks to the unique microclimate created by the hillside trees.