Meiji Jingu Travel Guide

Meiji Jingu, or Meiji Shrine, is a tranquil escape located in the heart of Tokyo, dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Emperor Meiji, who reigned from 1867 to 1912, led Japan through a period of rapid modernization, and the shrine was established in 1920 to commemorate his and his consort's virtues. Though the original structure was destroyed during World War II, it was rebuilt in 1958.Located in Shibuya, near Harajuku Station, the shrine and adjacent Yoyogi Park create a large forested area within the city. The grounds feature over 100,000 trees, donated from regions across Japan, offering a serene walking path away from the urban environment. The main shrine complex is a 10-minute walk from the southern entrance near Harajuku Station and the northern entrance near Yoyogi Station.Visitors can participate in Shinto activities, such as making offerings, buying charms, and writing wishes on ema tablets. The shrine attracts millions of visitors annually and is a popular location for traditional Shinto weddings. The Meiji Jingu Museum, opened in 2019, showcases treasures from the shrine's collection, including personal belongings of the Emperor and Empress, and the carriage Emperor Meiji rode to the formal declaration of the Meiji Constitution in 1889. The Inner Garden, located in the southern section, features irises that bloom in June and Kiyomasa's Well, a spot believed to provide positive energy.Meiji Jingu is open daily from sunrise to sunset with varying hours depending on the season. The shrine is free to enter, but the Meiji Jingu Museum costs ¥1,000 for adults, and the Inner Garden costs ¥500.