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Meiji Jingu Shrine: A Tranquil Oasis in the Heart of Tokyo

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Escape the city bustle at Meiji Jingu Shrine: A peaceful Shinto retreat honoring Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken in a lush, man-made forest.

Meiji Jingu Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, is a peaceful escape from Tokyo's bustling city life. Completed in 1920 and rebuilt in 1958 after WWII damage, it features a man-made forest of over 100,000 trees donated from across Japan. Visitors can experience traditional Shinto rituals and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

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 to avoid crowds and experience the shrine's peaceful atmosphere.
  • Take part in traditional Shinto rituals, such as making offerings or writing wishes on an ema tablet.
  • Explore the Inner Garden (separate fee) to see Kiyomasa's Well, a renowned 'power spot'.
  • Visit the Meiji Jingu Museum to view artifacts related to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken (admission fee required).
  • Check the shrine's calendar for festivals and events, especially the vibrant Spring Grand Festival.

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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Harajuku Station (JR Yamanote Line), take the Omotesando Exit and walk north. Follow the signs for Meiji Jingu Shrine. The entrance to the shrine is about a 5-minute walk from the station. The walk to the main shrine complex from the entrance takes approximately 10 minutes. No cost for walking.

  • 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 (approx. 2 minutes, ¥170-210). From either station, follow the walking directions to the shrine entrance. An IC card (Suica or Pasmo) can streamline payment.

  • Taxi

    From Shibuya Station, a taxi to Meiji Jingu Shrine takes approximately 5 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare is ¥2,100 - ¥2,600. Note that traffic can be heavy, especially on weekends and holidays.

Discover more about Meiji Jingu

Nestled in the vibrant district of Shibuya, Meiji Jingu Shrine offers a serene retreat from Tokyo's energetic pace. Dedicated to Emperor Meiji (1852-1912) and Empress Shoken (1849-1914), the shrine provides a tranquil contrast to the surrounding urban landscape. Emperor Meiji oversaw Japan's transformation into a modern, industrialized nation.Completed in 1920, the shrine was constructed to honor the Emperor and Empress. A unique aspect of Meiji Jingu is its surrounding forest, created with over 100,000 trees donated from various regions of Japan. This man-made forest creates a peaceful and natural environment, making it hard to believe you're in the middle of one of the world's busiest cities.Meiji Jingu was tragically destroyed by bombings in 1945 during World War II, but it was rebuilt in 1958 through public donations. The shrine provides visitors the opportunity to participate in Shinto activities, such as making offerings, purchasing amulets, and writing wishes on ema tablets. Key attractions include the Main Hall (Honden), Inner Garden, and Meiji Jingu Museum. The Inner Garden, requiring a separate admission fee, features the Kiyomasa Well, considered a 'power spot'. The Meiji Jingu Museum, opened in 2019, showcases artifacts related to the Emperor and Empress.Visitors can access the shrine from multiple entrances, including those near Harajuku Station, Meiji-jingumae Station, and Yoyogi Station. The shrine is known for hosting various events and festivals throughout the year, with the New Year's celebrations (Hatsumode) being particularly popular.

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