What other travelers are saying about Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingū)
It is a piece of history in the middle of town, you can likely visit the shrine, yoyogi Park and dabble in shibuya in the same day.
I reccomend visiting the garden located in the shrine as well, it will give you access to view the spring and garden in spring. Winter seems to be a bit inactive and the lake was dry waiting for the natural spring to rebuild.
The shrine itself seems separated from tokyo proper even though It is right in the thick of things. A nice break and forested visit after being in a concrete jungle.
There was a traditional wedding procession that occurred while we were there. If you are interested in history and want to see something historical to the meiji era this is a very interesting visit.
There are a ton of tourists and visitors, if you are looking for a quiet shrine there are plenty of other locations that may be better. The shops also have a tourist tax, just bring your own water/snacks.
More about Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingū) from our blog
Day guides that include Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingū)
Frequently Asked Questions
The easiest way to get to Meiji Shrine is by taking the JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station. From there, it's a short 5-minute walk to the shrine's entrance. Alternatively, you can take the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda or Fukutoshin Lines to Meiji-jingumae Station, which is also nearby.
From Harajuku Station, exit from the Omotesando Exit and walk straight for about 5 minutes along the tree-lined approach that leads directly to the shrine's torii gate entrance.
Meiji Shrine is known for being dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. It's celebrated for its tranquil forest setting in the heart of Tokyo, its historical and cultural significance, and its role in the Shinto religion.
Meiji Shrine can be visited year-round, but early morning or late afternoon are recommended to avoid crowds. New Year (Hatsumode) and the spring and autumn festivals are particularly vibrant times to visit, though they are also the busiest.
The moment you start to walk up to Meiji Jingu shrine from Harajuku, it’s easy to forget you’re in the most populated metropolitan area in the world. There is a peace to the area that makes the trip itself worthwhile. The torii gates are enormous, and the actual shrine is beautiful. I paid a little extra to visit the Inner Gardens and they were beautiful - I went in winter and can only imagine how much better they are in summer. Overall definitely worth a visit.
Beautiful scenery! No need to buy tickets or anything in advance unless you would like a detailed tour which we did not do. Walking from Harajuku station the shrine is directly outside one of the exits - very accessible. Lots of greenery which is a refreshing sight for Tokyo. Surprised to find out it was an active shrine and got to watch the priests walk out which was exciting! Many opportunities for photos as well as some souvenirs and omamori. Highly reccommend!
Lovely shrine in the heart of Tokyo. Always busy but always lovely to step into the lovely green space Meiji Jingu provides, as well as spend time amongst the history. Meiji is in the heart of a huge forest, right beside Harajuku. It feels ethereal to find such lovely nature close to such an urban ward. Only down side is the sheer amount of people, but hey- still worth the visit. The camphor trees are my favourite part- and have a very cool story behind them. Be sure to check them out when you visit Meiji Jingu!!
A truly peaceful oasis in the heart of Tokyo. The long forest walk instantly calms you, and the shrine itself feels serene and powerful. Beautiful torii gates, meaningful traditions like ema and omikuji, and a sense of quiet reflection that’s hard to find in the city. Easy access from Harajuku, yet worlds away in atmosphere. Highly recommended—especially in the morning.
