Akagi Shrine (赤城神社, Akagi Jinja) stands a stone’s throw from Kagurazaka Station in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Founded over 750 years ago and moved to this location 450 years ago, it enshrines Iwatsutsuo no Mikoto — a fire deity, descendant of Izanagi and Izanami, born from Kagutsuchi (the god of fire).
In the Edo period, fires were frequent in old Tokyo, and Akagi was venerated as a deity of fire protection. The shrine is also associated with prosperity, dispelling misfortune, the arts, and matchmaking. Because the shrine is right beside Kagurazaka Station, it draws many tourists — and is now also known as a date spot, thanks to the stylish Akagi Cafe within its grounds.
The cafe — with its modern design and the shrine’s ancient atmosphere blended seamlessly — is a quietly fashionable choice for couples in central Tokyo.