A Peaceful Escape of History, Nature, and Shinto Tradition in the Heart of Harajuku
🌟 What is Meiji Shrine?
Meiji Shrine (明治神宮) is one of Tokyo’s most important and most visited Shinto shrines, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken, the symbolic modernizers of Japan in the 19th century.
Tucked inside a massive 70-hectare forest just steps from Harajuku and Shibuya, it offers a quiet spiritual retreat amid the city’s buzz.
With its giant torii gates, gravel paths, sacred trees, and spiritual rituals, it’s a place for reflection, prayer, and understanding traditional Japanese culture.
🔭 Why Visit Meiji Shrine?
- 🌳 Walk Through a Sacred Forest: Over 100,000 trees donated from all over Japan
- 🏯 See the Main Shrine Complex: Classic Shinto architecture and seasonal rituals
- 🎎 Witness Traditional Weddings: You might see a real ceremony on weekends
- 💧 Make an Offering & Prayer: Follow local customs at the purification fountain
- 🍶 Barrel Wall Photo Spot: Display of sake barrels from across Japan
- 🧘♀️ Peaceful Atmosphere: Great contrast to busy Takeshita Street nearby
📸 Featured Spots
| Spot | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Ōtorii Gate | Gigantic wooden entrance gate—one of Japan’s largest |
| Main Hall (Honden) | Prayer site where you can make offerings and wishes |
| Sake & Wine Barrel Displays | Iconic Instagram spot near the outer garden |
| Treasure Museum | Historical items belonging to Emperor Meiji |
| Kiyomasa’s Well (optional) | Hidden spiritual power spot (advanced reservation sometimes needed) |
🎟️ Admission & Hours
- 🎫 Shrine Grounds: Free admission
- 🕒 Open Daily: Sunrise to sunset (roughly 5:00 AM – 6:00 PM depending on season)
- 🎫 Treasure Museum: ¥1,000 (optional)
- 🕊️ Best times: Morning for peace / early evening for golden light
🚨 Visitor Tips
- 🧼 Wash hands/mouth at the purification station before entering the main shrine
- 🙇 Bow once before walking through each torii gate
- 🔇 Stay respectful & quiet around prayer areas
- 📷 Photography OK in most areas, but not inside the main worship hall
- 🎍 Don’t walk through the center of the path—it’s reserved for the gods
🚉 Access
- Harajuku Station (JR Yamanote Line) – Right next to main torii entrance
- Meiji-Jingumae Station (Chiyoda & Fukutoshin Lines) – Exit 2
- Walk to shrine: ~10 min through the forested path
🍵 Nearby Spots to Relax After Visiting
1. Tully’s Coffee (Meiji-Jingu-mae)
- ☕ Western café with terrace near shrine entrance
- 🕒 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
2. Takeshita Street (Next Door)
- 🍓 Explore kawaii snacks, crepes, and fashion for contrast
3. Omotesando Hills
- 🛍️ Stylish shopping & dining in contrast to shrine calm
🔁 Sample Plan: “Tradition Meets Trend Day”
🕐 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- 🙏 Start at Meiji Shrine for a spiritual stroll and prayer
- 📸 Snap photos at torii gate and sake barrel wall
- 🧘♀️ Take a break at a café outside
- 🚶 Walk through Takeshita Street for contrast & crepes
- 🛍️ End at Omotesando for upscale shopping or lunch
📍 Address & Contact
Address
1-1 Yoyogi-Kamizono-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-8557, Japan
Phone
📞 +81-3-3379-5511
Website
https://www.meijijingu.or.jp/en/