A visit to Meiji-jingu Shrine, located in a gorgeous forest right in the middle of Tokyo, is a fantastic reprieve from the colorful, overwhelming world of Harajuku.
Meiji-jingu Shrine - image © Florentyna Leow
Located right next to JR Harajuku Station, Meiji-jingu Shrine is one of Japan’s most visited Shinto shrines. The shrine grounds are located within a large 170-acre forest of evergreen trees. This makes Meiji-jingu Shrine a veritable oasis in the middle of urban Tokyo, and even more so when coupled with a further visit to the directly-adjacent Yoyogi Park.
Meiji-jingu Shrine - image © Florentyna Leow
The shrine itself is not particularly ancient. It was completed in 1920, and dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and the Empress Shoken. But it plays a central role in public life. For instance, every New Year, over three million visitors flock to Meiji-jingu Shrine for the year’s first prayers (hatsumode). It’s a popular wedding venue as well, so if you’re lucky you may spot a traditional Shinto wedding taking place on the grounds.
Before visiting, don’t forget to check out the events schedule on the shrine website. Whether it’s year-end celebrations, a festival, or summer equinox rituals to cleanse the spirit, there’s always something interesting to see. Plus, visitors to Tokyo in June should drop by the Inner Garden - irises in full bloom are always a treat.
English name:
Meiji-jingu Shrine
Japanese name:
明治神宮
English address:
1-1 Yoyogikamizono-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 151-8557
Japanese address:
〒151-8557 東京都渋谷区代々木神園町1-1
Opening hours:
January: 6:40am-16:20pm
February: 6:20am-16:50pm
March: 5:40am-17:20pm
April: 5:10am-17:50pm
May: 5:00am-18:10pm
June: 5:00am-18:30pm
July: 5:00am-18:20pm
August: 5:00am-18:00pm
September: 5:20am-17:20pm
October: 5:40am-16:40pm
November: 6:10am-16:10pm
December: 6:40am-16:00pm
Admission:
free
Nearest Transport:
Train: 2-minute walk from Omote-sando exit of Harajuku Station on the JR Yamanote line.
Subway: 2-minute walk from exit 2 of Meiji-jingumae Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda and Fukutoshin lines.
Nearest Hotels:
:: Check availability and pricing for hotels near Meiji-jingu Shrine on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Telephone:
+81-3-3379-5511
Website:
Official Website (English)
Near To Here:
Meiji-jingu Shrine is located in Tokyo's Harajuku And Aoyama district. See our complete list of things to do in Harajuku And Aoyama, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
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