신주쿠 스와 신사

The easiest way to reach the shrine is from Nishi-Waseda Station on the Fukutoshin line. Despite sitting in the urban Waseda area near Takadanobaba, the grounds stay noticeably quiet, and you can pair the visit with Ana Hachiman-gu shrine about 10 minutes away on foot.

Come in late February or early March for the plum blossoms. Red varieties bloom first, with the white trees following a little later, so timing depends on which you want to catch.