Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu)

As one of Tokyo’s most famous attractions, the Meiji Shrine features in most city tours, including both full- and half-day sightseeing tours of Tokyo, that might also include sights like Asakusa Temple, Senso-ji Temple, Harajuku, the Imperial Palace East Garden, and Tsukiji Fish Market. Entrance to the shrine is free, but you’ll need to pay a small admission charge to enter the shrine’s inner garden.

• Meiji Jingu is a must-see for first-time visitors to Tokyo, especially those into religious or traditional Japanese architecture.

• Visit the shrine as part of a private or small-group city tour of Tokyo.

• This is a sacred place so follow the rules of etiquette when visiting a temple.

• Photos and video are prohibited inside the halls.

• Bring along some mosquito repellent, especially during the summer months.

• The shrine is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

The easiest way to get to the Meiji Shrine is by subway. It is a few steps away from the Harajuku and Meiji-jingumae stations.

The Meiji Shrine is open daily throughout the year between sunrise and sunset. From late May to late June, the shrine’s garden is at its most spectacular as its irises begin to bloom. If you’d like to see a traditional ceremony or wedding at the shrine, plan to visit on Sunday.

This popular shrine plays host to several festivals throughout the year, the biggest of which is Hatsumode. Commemorating the first visit to the shrine of the new year, the festival sees millions of people crowd into the grounds on January 1. The second Monday in January isSeijin-no-hi (Adults’ Day or Coming of Age Day), when costumed 20-year-olds come to celebrate their coming of age. Young children aged three, five, and seven enjoy their own festival here in mid-November to celebrate their growth and well-being.

Due to its popularity, it’s best to visit Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu) early in the day to avoid the large afternoon crowds. The shrine is free to enter and usually opens at sunrise, so there’s no need to worry about ticket desk opening times if you arrive early.

Meiji Shrine dates back to 1920, when around 100,000 trees were donated from all over Japan to honor Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken following their deaths. The shrine complex burnt down during World War II, but the forest survived and the shrine was later painstakingly rebuilt.

The first point of interest is a huge torii gate that leads into the forest. There’s also the Inner Garden with a well, pond, and walking paths. Another notable sight is the Couple Camphor Trees, facing the worship hall, which are tied together to symbolize the emperor and his wife.

Yes, Meiji Shrine hosts various traditional ceremonies and events throughout the year, including Shinto weddings, purification ceremonies, and festivals, such as the Meiji Jingu Spring Grand Festival and the Autumn Grand Festival. These events offer visitors a chance to experience authentic Japanese culture and rituals in a serene setting.

Yes, there are guided tours available at Meiji Shrine. These tours typically offer insight into the shrine's history, architecture, and cultural significance. Some tours also combine a visit to Meiji Shrine with other nearby attractions, such as Harajuku’s Takeshita Street, the Imperial Palace, Akihabara, and Senso-ji Temple.

If traveling by public transport, you can get the Tokyo metro JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station. It’s then a short walk through Yoyogi Park to the entrance of the shrine. Alternatively, you can get bus 63 or 88 to the Meiji Jingu Mae stop.