A Perfect Blend of Spiritual Calm and City Nature
🌟 Overview
Tucked between bustling Shibuya and trendy Harajuku, Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park form one of Tokyo’s most beloved urban escapes. Whether you’re seeking a quiet moment under giant torii gates or looking to picnic under the cherry blossoms, this area is where Tokyo breathes.
🙏 Meiji Shrine (明治神宮)
🏯 Why Visit?
- Tokyo’s Most Famous Shinto Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken
- Massive Torii Gates mark the entrance to a serene forested path
- Barrel Walls of Sake & Wine – a photogenic and symbolic highlight
- Cultural Experience: Witness traditional weddings, omikuji fortunes, and purification rituals
🕐 Hours & Access
- Open: Sunrise to Sunset (no admission fee)
- Access: JR Harajuku Station (Yamanote Line) / Meiji-Jingumae Station (Chiyoda & Fukutoshin Lines)
- 📍 Located within the forest area next to Yoyogi Park
🌿 Yoyogi Park (代々木公園)
🍃 Why Visit?
- One of Tokyo’s largest and most relaxed parks
- Famous for cherry blossoms in spring and golden ginkgo trees in autumn
- A favorite spot for picnics, street performers, dog walkers, and musicians
- Flat paths perfect for strolling, jogging, or renting a bike
- Hosts weekly festivals, food events, and flea markets
🧺 What to Bring?
- A picnic blanket
- Snacks from nearby convenience stores or cafes
- A camera for street photos or seasonal nature shots
📸 Best Photo Spots
- 📷 Sake barrels at Meiji Shrine
- 🌸 Cherry blossom lanes in Yoyogi (late March – early April)
- 🕊️ Wide lawns with Tokyo skyline background
- 🎎 Traditional weddings at the shrine courtyard (if you’re lucky!)
🍴 Café & Rest Recommendations Nearby
1. THE ROASTERY by NOZY COFFEE (Cat Street)
- 🌿 Stylish outdoor café with high-quality espresso
- 🪑 Great place to relax after a shrine walk
2. Afuri Harajuku
- 🍋 Famous for yuzu ramen—light, citrusy, refreshing
- 🍜 Cozy and modern interior
3. Anniversaire Café
- 🍰 Romantic European-style café near Omotesando
- 🎂 Great cakes, brunch, and seasonal drinks
🗺️ Suggested Walking Route
- 🚉 Start at Harajuku Station
- 🙏 Visit Meiji Shrine through the torii gate forest path
- 🌳 Exit into Yoyogi Park for a stroll or picnic
- 🛍️ Walk toward Cat Street or Omotesando for café hopping or shopping
📍 Address & Info
Meiji Shrine
1-1 Yoyogi-Kamizonocho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-8557, Japan
📞 +81-3-3379-5511
Yoyogi Park
2-1 Yoyogi Kamizonocho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-0052, Japan
Free admission, open 24 hours (lighting limited at night)
✨ Escape the neon rush and step into Tokyo’s sacred calm.
Yoyogi Park & Meiji Shrine are where the city slows down, and tradition breathes.