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Meiji Jingu, Etchu Travel Guide

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Escape the city bustle at Meiji Jingu: a peaceful Shinto shrine honoring Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken in a serene, forested setting.

Meiji Jingu, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, offers a serene escape from Tokyo's bustling city life. Completed in 1920 and rebuilt in 1958 after wartime destruction, it's a peaceful oasis where visitors can connect with Japanese traditions and nature.

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.

  • Dress modestly when visiting the shrine out of respect for its cultural and religious significance.
  • Take a moment to appreciate the impressive sake and wine barrels near the entrance, donated as offerings.
  • Visit the Inner Garden in June to see the beautiful irises in bloom and experience the 'power spot' at Kiyomasa's Well.
  • Allow at least one hour to explore the main shrine grounds, and longer if you plan to visit the Inner Garden or Museum.
  • Participate in traditional Shinto activities like making offerings or writing wishes on an ema tablet for an immersive cultural experience.

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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Harajuku Station (JR Yamanote Line) or Meiji-jingumae Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda and Fukutoshin Lines), it's a short walk to the shrine's southern entrance. Follow the signs and walk north. The path to the main shrine complex takes about 10 minutes, passing under the large torii gate. No costs are associated with this final approach.

  • Public Transport

    From Shibuya Station, take the JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station (approx. 3 minutes, ¥140). Alternatively, take the Fukutoshin Line to Meiji-jingumae Station. From either station, follow the walking directions to the shrine entrance. A direct bus from Shibuya Station to Meiji Jingu is also available for ¥210.

  • Taxi

    From Shibuya Station, a taxi to Meiji Jingu takes approximately 5 minutes and costs between ¥2100 and ¥2600. Ask the driver to take you to the main entrance near Harajuku Station. Note that traffic can affect the travel time and cost.

Discover more about Meiji Jingu

Meiji Jingu Shrine, nestled in the vibrant heart of Tokyo, is a sanctuary dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji (1852-1912) and his consort, Empress Shoken (1849-1914). The shrine stands as a testament to their pivotal roles in modernizing Japan during the Meiji Restoration. Emperor Meiji ascended to the throne in 1867, ushering in an era of industrialization, urbanization, and increased global engagement for Japan.Completed in 1920, the shrine's construction was a nationwide endeavor, with over 100,000 trees donated from across the country to create a sprawling, man-made forest. This lush environment provides a tranquil escape from the surrounding urban landscape. The shrine was rebuilt in 1958 following its destruction during World War II.Visitors can engage in traditional Shinto practices, such as making offerings, purchasing amulets, and writing wishes on ema tablets. The Inner Garden, particularly beautiful in June when the irises bloom, features Kiyomasa's Well, a popular spiritual 'power spot'. The Meiji Jingu Museum, opened in 2019, showcases artifacts related to the Emperor and Empress. The shrine's main buildings are a 10-minute walk from the entrances, marked by towering torii gates that symbolize the transition from the secular to the sacred. Traditional weddings are also a common sight.

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