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Meiji Jingu: A Tranquil Oasis in the Heart of Tokyo

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Escape the city bustle at Meiji Jingu, a peaceful Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, surrounded by a lush forest in Tokyo.

Meiji Jingu, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, offers a serene escape from Tokyo's bustling city life. Established in 1920 and rebuilt in 1958 after wartime destruction, the shrine is a peaceful oasis with over 100,000 trees donated from across Japan.

A brief summary to Meiji Jingu

Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Meiji Jingu.

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds, especially on weekends and holidays.
  • Check the shrine's website for events and festivals, such as the Spring Grand Festival in late April and early May.
  • Explore the Inner Garden in June to see the irises in full bloom and visit Kiyomasa's Well for positive energy.
  • Take a moment to bow before entering and after leaving through the torii gates as a sign of respect.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll through adjacent Yoyogi Park and explore the trendy shops and cafes in Harajuku.

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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Shibuya Station, take the JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station. The shrine's entrance is a one-minute walk from the Omotesando exit. Alternatively, take the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda or Fukutoshin Lines to Meiji-jingumae Station, also a short walk to the entrance. The train fare from Shibuya to Harajuku is approximately ¥55-¥190. A subway ride will cost around ¥170-¥210.

  • Walking

    From Harajuku Station, exit and follow the signs for Meiji Jingu. The walk to the shrine entrance is about one minute. From the entrance, it's approximately a 10-minute walk through the forest to reach the main shrine buildings.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available from major transportation hubs such as Shibuya Station. A taxi ride from Shibuya Station to Meiji Jingu takes approximately 5 minutes and costs between ¥2,100 and ¥2,600. Note that traffic conditions may affect travel time and cost.

  • Parking

    Limited parking is available at Meiji Jingu, accessed from the Yoyogi Entrance. Parking is not available for trucks, motorcycles or campers. Parking is restricted on Sundays and national holidays. Be sure to stop at the entrance and ask a guard for parking directions. Several parking lots are also available near Meiji Jingu Gaien, a short walk to the shrine.

Discover more about Meiji Jingu

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.

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