Visit Meiji Shrine: Tokyo’s Historic Spiritual Landmark in Harajuku

Hello travelers! I’m your friendly guide for today, and we’re stepping into one of Tokyo’s most sacred and peaceful spaces—Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingū). Nestled between the buzzing districts of Harajuku and Shibuya, this shrine is a beautiful contradiction: a calm forest sanctuary in the middle of Japan’s busiest city.
 

Whether you’re here to explore Shinto traditions, take a quiet nature walk, or witness a traditional Japanese wedding, Meiji Shrine offers a spiritual and cultural experience unlike anywhere else in Tokyo.

🏞️ What is Meiji Shrine?

Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, who helped modernize Japan during the Meiji Restoration (1868–1912). Completed in 1920, it is one of Japan’s most important shrines and a place where tradition and tranquility are preserved amidst Tokyo’s rapid modernity.

Surrounded by a 70-hectare evergreen forest with over 100,000 trees donated from across Japan, Meiji Shrine is both a spiritual site and a natural retreat.

📍 Where Is Meiji Shrine?

📌 Address: 1-1 Yoyogi-Kamizono-cho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-8557, Japan
📍 Located: Between Harajuku and Yoyogi Park, a few steps from Harajuku Station

🚆 How to Get There

Meiji Shrine is centrally located and very easy to access:

🚉 Harajuku Station (JR Yamanote Line) – Takes you to the shrine’s southern entrance

🚇 Meiji-jingumae Station (Chiyoda and Fukutoshin Lines) – Near the Torii gate

🚇 Yoyogi Station (JR and Toei Lines) – For the northwest entrance

From Shibuya or Shinjuku: Just 5–10 minutes by train

🎟️ Entry Information

🕒 Opening Hours: Sunrise to sunset (varies by season)

🎫 Admission: Free to enter shrine grounds

🏛️ Treasure House & Inner Garden: ¥500 each for adults

📸 Photography allowed (except in restricted spiritual areas)

🏛️ What to See at Meiji Shrine

1. ⛩️ Grand Torii Gates

The first torii gate at the entrance is over 12 meters tall—one of the largest wooden torii gates in Japan.

These gates symbolize your transition from the secular world into the sacred space of the shrine.

2. 🌳 The Forest Path

A 10-minute serene walk from the torii gate to the shrine

Shaded by over 100,000 trees donated from across Japan

Enjoy the peaceful sounds of birds, wind, and gravel beneath your feet

Perfect for nature lovers and photographers

3. 🍶 Sake & Wine Barrels

Decorative rows of sake barrels donated by breweries for ceremonial purposes

Opposite side: French wine barrels donated from Burgundy—symbolizing Japan’s international ties under Emperor Meiji

Great photo spot and an example of cultural blending

4. 🙏 The Main Shrine (Honden)

The spiritual heart of Meiji Shrine

Traditional Shinto architecture built in the Nagare-zukuri style

Quiet, respectful atmosphere ideal for offering a prayer

Bow twice, clap twice, and bow once more—join in if you wish

5. ✍️ Ema Plaques & Omikuji

Write your wishes on ema plaques and hang them near the shrine

Draw a fortune (omikuji) with philosophical teachings by Emperor Meiji or Empress Shoken (not your typical fortune telling)

Omikuji costs about ¥100

6. 💒 Traditional Japanese Weddings

On weekends and holidays, you might witness Shinto wedding processions

Brides in white kimono, priests in ceremonial robes, and musicians playing gagaku (court music)

Please be respectful—photos are allowed from a distance

7. 🏺 Meiji Jingu Museum

Designed by famous architect Kengo Kuma

Exhibits related to Emperor Meiji’s life and the Meiji Era

Includes personal belongings, documents, and cultural artifacts

¥1000 admission, open daily except Thursdays

8. 🌸 Meiji Jingu Gyoen (Inner Garden)

A tranquil Japanese garden with iris fields, tea houses, and koi ponds

Best visited in June when the irises bloom

Home to Kiyomasa’s Well, a sacred spot believed to bring good fortune

¥500 admission fee

🖼️ Best Photo Spots

First Torii Gate – Early morning light looks stunning through the wood

Sake Barrel Wall – Colorful and cultural

Main Shrine Courtyard – Especially during golden hour

Forest Paths – Misty or green depending on the season

Inner Garden – Ideal for macro photography and floral shots

🍱 Where to Eat Nearby

Meiji Shrine is located near Harajuku, which is a foodie paradise. After your shrine visit, consider:

Afuri Ramen Harajuku – Yuzu-scented ramen with a light, modern touch

Uogashi Nihon-Ichi – Standing sushi bar with fresh options

A Happy Pancake – Fluffy Japanese pancakes, just a few blocks away

Harajuku Gyoza Lou – Popular dumpling joint, perfect for a quick bite

🛍️ Souvenirs & Shopping

While Meiji Shrine itself sells charm amulets (omamori) for protection, health, and love, you’ll also find:

Ema plaques with elegant designs

Traditional incense, scrolls, and calligraphy

For modern gifts, walk to Takeshita Street in Harajuku for quirky finds and snacks

📅 Seasonal Events & Highlights

🎍 New Year’s (Hatsumode)

Over 3 million people visit Meiji Shrine in the first few days of January

Come for the festive atmosphere, food stalls, and traditional blessings

Go early or late in the evening to avoid peak crowds

🌸 Spring: Cherry Blossoms

Meiji Shrine isn’t famous for sakura, but nearby Yoyogi Park offers a great hanami scene

Combine your visit with a walk through blooming trees

🍁 Autumn: Fall Foliage

Brilliant yellows and reds in late November

The shrine grounds are painted in warm tones—perfect for photos

🧳 Tips for Visitors

🕰️ Go early in the morning for quiet walks and soft light

🤫 Keep noise levels low—this is an active place of worship

👟 Wear comfortable shoes—the gravel paths are long

💵 Cash is useful for omamori and offerings

🙇 Show respect: bow when entering and exiting through torii gates

🏨 Where to Stay Nearby

Staying in Harajuku, Shibuya, or Shinjuku gives you easy access to Meiji Shrine and Tokyo’s central highlights.

Recommended Hotels:

Trunk Hotel (Shibuya) – Modern and eco-conscious

Dormy Inn Premium Shibuya – Mid-range with onsen facilities

Sequence Miyashita Park – Trendy, great rooftop views

Nippon Seinenkan Hotel – Quiet, near Jingu Stadium

🧘 Final Thoughts

Meiji Shrine is more than just a shrine—it’s a peaceful reset button for your Tokyo adventure. Here, modern life fades into the background as you walk beneath towering trees and feel the reverence of centuries-old tradition.

Whether you’re spiritual, curious, or just need a breath of calm in a fast-paced city, Meiji Shrine is a must-visit experience. You’ll leave with clearer thoughts, meaningful memories, and maybe even a little luck for your journey ahead.