nezu

Nezu (根津) can refer to several related places in Tokyo, Japan. The most prominent are Nezu, a district in Bunkyō Ward, and the Nezu Shrine located within it. Nezu is part of the historic Yanesen area, which also includes the neighboring districts of Yanaka and Sendagi. The district is known for narrow streets, relatively intact Edo- and early modern-era architecture, and a quieter, traditional atmosphere amidst a modern city.

Nezu Shrine (Nezu Jinja) is a Shinto shrine situated in Nezu. It is one of Tokyo’s oldest shrines, with origins dating to the Edo period. The shrine grounds are set on a hillside and feature a garden and a forested area that are especially popular during spring, when azaleas bloom and visitors walk along winding paths and stone steps toward the shrine’s main precinct. The site is also noted for its annual azalea festival and tranquil surroundings.

Nezu Museum (Nezu Bijutsukan) is a private museum in Tokyo that houses the art collection gathered by Kaichiro Nezu. Located in Minami-Aoyama, the museum focuses on Japanese and East Asian art from antiquity to the modern era. The institution offers a combination of a contemplative building, a traditional garden, and rotating exhibitions. A major renovation and expansion completed in 2009 added a contemporary gallery wing designed by architect Kengo Kuma, integrating the exhibition spaces with the garden setting.