What Is Meiji Shrine?
Meiji Shrine — or Meiji Jingu in Japanese — is one of Tokyo's most important Shinto shrines. It was built in 1920 to honor Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, who played a central role in Japan's modernization during the late 1800s and early 1900s. The shrine sits inside a 70-hectare evergreen forest right between Harajuku, Shibuya, and Yoyogi, making it one of the few places in central Tokyo where the city noise drops away almost completely.
Around three million people visit during the first three days of January alone — the largest hatsumode (New Year shrine visit) turnout anywhere in Japan. But on a regular weekday morning, you might share the forested paths with only a handful of other visitors. That contrast is part of what makes this place worth the trip regardless of when you go.
Getting to Meiji Shrine
The shrine has three entrance gates, each reachable from a different train station. Pick the one that fits your route.
South Gate (Harajuku side) — most popular
Walk about one minute from JR Harajuku Station's Omotesando Exit or Tokyo Metro Meiji-jingumae Station (Chiyoda and Fukutoshin lines). This is the main approach most visitors use, passing under the large wooden torii gate on the wide gravel path through the forest.
North Gate (Yoyogi side)
About five minutes from JR Yoyogi Station, Toei Oedo Line Yoyogi Station, or Tokyo Metro Kita-sando Station (Fukutoshin Line). This entrance is generally quieter and works well if you are coming from Shinjuku.
West Gate (Sangubashi side)
Roughly five minutes from Odakyu Line Sangubashi Station. The least crowded of the three.
From any entrance gate, allow at least another 10 minutes of walking through the forest before you reach the main shrine buildings. The total walk from station to shrine hall is about 15 minutes at a relaxed pace.
Address: 1-1 Yoyogi Kamizono-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-8557
Walking the Main Approach
The forested path from the south entrance is the classic Meiji Shrine experience. A few things to look for along the way:
The Grand Torii Gate
The first torii you pass through near the entrance is one of the largest wooden torii gates in Japan. The current gate, made of 1,500-year-old Japanese cypress from Taiwan, stands about 12 meters tall. Tradition says to bow once before passing through, and to walk along the sides rather than the center, which is considered the path reserved for the deity.
Sake and Wine Barrels
About halfway along the approach, you will see two displays facing each other across the path. On one side, stacked barrels of Japanese sake donated by breweries from around the country. On the other, barrels of Burgundy wine — a nod to Emperor Meiji's known appreciation for Western culture and winemaking. The sake barrels are wrapped in traditional straw, while the wine barrels carry the labels of well-known French houses. It is an unexpectedly photogenic spot.
The Forest Itself
The surrounding forest is entirely man-made. When the shrine was planned in 1915, landscape architects designed a forest that would grow into a self-sustaining ecosystem over the course of a century. They planted around 100,000 trees donated from across Japan and overseas territories. Today, the forest contains roughly 170,000 trees and 245 species, hosting birds, insects, and wildlife you would not expect minutes from Shibuya Crossing. Walking through, the canopy filters the light and muffles traffic noise to the point where you can hear birdsong clearly.
The Main Shrine Area
Once you pass through the final torii gate, you enter the main shrine courtyard. Here is what to see and do:
The Honden (Main Sanctuary)
The main hall where prayers are offered. The original buildings were destroyed during World War II air raids and reconstructed in 1958 using the same architectural style. Photography is allowed in the courtyard but not directly in front of the main sanctuary where people are praying.
Shinto Prayer Etiquette
If you would like to pray at the shrine, here is the basic sequence: approach the offering box, toss in a coin (any amount — a five-yen coin is traditional because "go-en" sounds like the word for connection or fate), bow deeply twice, clap your hands twice, make a silent wish or prayer, and bow once more. There is no pressure to follow this exactly, but knowing the steps helps you feel more comfortable.
Ema (Prayer Plaques)
Near the main hall you will find a wall covered with small wooden plaques called ema, where visitors write their wishes. At Meiji Shrine, ema are shaped like the shrine's iconic camphor-leaf crest. You can buy a blank one, write your wish in any language, and hang it on the rack. They cost around ¥500.
Meoto Kusu (Married Camphor Trees)
Just before the main hall, a pair of large camphor trees stands side by side, connected by a sacred rope (shimenawa). They are said to represent a harmonious marriage and are popular with couples and families for photos and blessings related to relationships.
Goshuin (Shrine Seal)
If you collect shrine seals — calligraphic stamps given as a record of your visit — you can receive one at the goshuin counter near the main hall. The fee is ¥500. Note that the goshuin counter accepts cash only, not credit cards.
Meiji Shrine's Unique Omikuji
Most shrines sell fortune slips (omikuji) that rank your luck from "great blessing" to "great curse." Meiji Shrine does things differently. Instead of luck rankings, their omikuji feature selected waka poems written by Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, printed with an English translation on the reverse side. You are meant to read them as philosophical guidance or reflection rather than a prediction of good or bad fortune. Each slip costs ¥100 and is available near the main shrine area.
This is one of the details that makes Meiji Shrine feel distinct from other Tokyo shrines. The poems touch on themes like perseverance, sincerity, and the natural world, and many visitors find them worth keeping rather than tying to the rack.
The Inner Garden (Meiji Jingu Gyoen)
On the south side of the shrine grounds lies the Inner Garden, a landscaped area that predates the shrine itself. It was originally a garden belonging to a feudal lord's estate, and Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken are said to have enjoyed walking here. Entry requires a ¥500 maintenance contribution, paid at the garden gate.
What to see inside:
The garden's main draw changes with the season. In June, around 1,500 iris plants bloom in shades of purple, white, and blue along the edge of a marsh — widely considered one of the best iris displays in Tokyo. In spring, azaleas color the hillsides. In late November and early December, the maples turn red and gold.
Kiyomasa's Well is a natural spring at the bottom of a short slope, named after the feudal lord Kato Kiyomasa, who is said to have dug it in the 1600s. The water is remarkably clear and the surrounding greenery reflects on its surface, making it a calm, photogenic spot that many visitors walk right past without realizing it is there.
A tea house within the garden occasionally serves matcha, though availability varies. The garden paths are short enough to cover in 20 to 30 minutes at a leisurely pace.
Meiji Jingu Museum
Opened in 2019 to mark the shrine's centennial, the Meiji Jingu Museum was designed by architect Kengo Kuma — the same architect behind the Japan National Stadium used for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The building blends into the forest with its wood-and-glass exterior.
Inside, exhibitions display personal items belonging to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, including the horse-drawn carriage used during their wedding ceremony. The collection focuses on the Meiji era's cultural transition and the shrine's own history.
Practical details:
- Hours: 10:00 am to 4:30 pm (last entry 4:00 pm)
- Closed Thursdays
- Admission: ¥1,000 for adults, ¥900 for high school students and younger
- Cash and cards accepted
Budget about 30 to 45 minutes for a visit. If you are interested in Japanese history or architecture, it is worth the stop.
Opening Hours and Admission
Shrine grounds: Free admission. The gates open at sunrise and close at sunset, so hours change monthly:
| Month | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| January | 6:40 am | 4:20 pm |
| February | 6:20 am | 4:50 pm |
| March | 5:40 am | 5:20 pm |
| April | 5:10 am | 5:50 pm |
| May | 5:00 am | 6:10 pm |
| June | 5:00 am | 6:30 pm |
| July | 5:00 am | 6:20 pm |
| August | 5:00 am | 6:00 pm |
| September | 5:20 am | 5:20 pm |
| October | 5:40 am | 4:40 pm |
| November | 6:10 am | 4:10 pm |
| December | 6:40 am | 4:00 pm |
Inner Garden: ¥500, generally open 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (may vary seasonally).
Meiji Jingu Museum: ¥1,000 adults, 10:00 am to 4:30 pm, closed Thursdays.
In winter months, the shrine closes as early as 4:00 pm. If you are planning a late afternoon visit between November and February, arrive by 3:00 pm to have enough time.
How Long to Spend
- Shrine only (walk, pray, see the main sights): About 1 hour
- Shrine + Inner Garden: About 1.5 hours
- Shrine + Inner Garden + Museum: About 2 to 2.5 hours
These times assume a relaxed pace. If you are visiting during a busy period like New Year or a holiday weekend, add extra time for crowds.
Best Time to Visit
Early morning is the best window. Arriving within the first hour after the gates open means fewer people, softer light filtering through the trees, and a genuinely peaceful atmosphere. Weekday mornings are quieter than weekends.
Seasonal highlights:
- Late March to early April: Cherry blossoms in and around Yoyogi Park, though the shrine grounds themselves are more about evergreen forest
- June: Iris blooms at their peak in the Inner Garden
- Late November to early December: Autumn foliage, especially maples in the Inner Garden and the famous ginkgo avenue at nearby Meiji Jingu Gaien
- New Year (December 31 to January 3): The most atmospheric time, but also the most crowded. The shrine stays open overnight from December 31 into January 1. Expect long queues and plan for cold weather
Visitor Etiquette and Practical Tips
A few things worth knowing before you go:
- Bow once when passing through a torii gate, both entering and leaving
- Walk on the sides of the main gravel path, not down the center
- No food or drink except in designated areas
- No photography directly in front of the main sanctuary during prayers
- No drones are permitted on shrine grounds
- No suitcase storage is available inside the grounds — leave bags at your hotel or use coin lockers at Harajuku Station
- Cash needed for the amulet office, goshuin counter, and omikuji (cards accepted at restaurants and gift shops)
- Wheelchairs are available at entrance gates upon request
- Stay on paths — the forest is a protected area and walking off trails or collecting plants is not allowed
Combining Meiji Shrine with Harajuku, Omotesando, and Shibuya
One of the best things about Meiji Shrine's location is how easily it connects to other popular areas. After your shrine visit, step out the south gate and you are directly on the doorstep of Harajuku and Omotesando.
Suggested half-day route:
- Arrive at JR Harajuku Station early morning
- Walk through the shrine forest and visit the main shrine (about 1 hour)
- Explore the Inner Garden if time allows (add 30 minutes)
- Exit from the south gate back toward Harajuku
- Walk Takeshita Street for snacks and pop culture shops
- Continue down Omotesando Avenue for cafes, architecture, and fashion
- Head south to Shibuya for Shibuya Crossing, shopping, and dinner
This route flows naturally without backtracking and covers several of Tokyo's top neighborhoods in a single morning-to-afternoon outing.
If you are visiting with a photographer or want to capture the area professionally, private photoshoots are available in the neighborhoods surrounding the shrine:
Exploring the Neighborhood After Your Visit
The area around Meiji Shrine is packed with things to do after you leave the shrine grounds. Here are some ways to extend your day:
Bar-hopping tours in the evening
If you are staying in the area into the evening, guided bar-hopping tours offer a fun way to discover local pubs, sake bars, and cocktail lounges with a bilingual guide. Several routes cover the neighborhoods right around Meiji Shrine:
Yoyogi Park
Right next to the shrine grounds, Yoyogi Park is Tokyo's most popular urban park for picnics, people-watching, and weekend events. On Sundays you will often find street performers, dance groups, and seasonal festivals near the main gate.
Meiji Jingu Gaien
A separate area east of the shrine (not to be confused with the shrine grounds), Meiji Jingu Gaien is home to the famous ginkgo tree avenue, several sports stadiums, and the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery. The ginkgo tunnel is at its golden peak in late November.
New Year at Meiji Shrine (Hatsumode)
Meiji Shrine is Japan's busiest hatsumode destination, drawing roughly three million visitors in the first three days of January. If you want the full experience, here is what to expect:
Special New Year hours:
- December 31: Opens at 6:40 am, stays open overnight
- January 1: Open from midnight to 6:30 pm
- January 2 to 3: 6:40 am to 6:00 pm
- January 4: 6:40 am to 5:30 pm
The busiest windows are late evening on December 31, around midnight, and from about 10:00 am onward on January 1 through 3. If you want a calmer experience, try arriving very early in the morning on January 2 or 3.
Dress warmly — you may spend 30 minutes or more standing in line outdoors. Food stalls line the approach during the New Year period, selling yakisoba, takoyaki, amazake (warm sweet rice drink), and other festival staples.
Quick Reference
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Admission | Free (shrine grounds) |
| Inner Garden | ¥500 |
| Museum | ¥1,000 adults |
| Omikuji | ¥100 |
| Ema | ¥500 |
| Goshuin | ¥500 |
| Hours | Sunrise to sunset (varies monthly) |
| Nearest station | JR Harajuku / Metro Meiji-jingumae |
| Time needed | 1 to 2.5 hours |
| Address | 1-1 Yoyogi Kamizono-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo |
| Official site | meijijingu.or.jp/en |
