Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine set within 70 hectares of forested parkland in central Tokyo, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. It is the most visited shrine in Japan and one of the few places in Tokyo where the forest completely shuts out the city. Here is the complete guide.
The shrine was completed in 1920 to enshrine the spirits of Emperor Meiji, who oversaw Japan’s modernization, and his consort. The forest was artificially planted using over 100,000 trees donated from across Japan and has matured over a century into a genuine old-growth woodland that covers the entire shrine precinct.
Opening Hours
Meiji Shrine opens at sunrise and closes at sunset. The specific times change monthly following the sunrise and sunset calendar. Generally, opening ranges from 5 am (summer) to 6:40 am (winter). Closing ranges from 4:40 pm (winter) to 6:20 pm (summer). Check the official website (meijijingu.or.jp) for the exact times on your visit date. The forest approach paths close at the same time as the shrine. Entry is always free.
The Main Approach
The most impressive entrance is the southern Omotesando approach from Harajuku Station. The gravel path runs for about 700 metres through towering camphor and evergreen trees before reaching the main Torii gate (one of Japan’s largest wooden torii at 12 metres tall). The path is wide and quiet in the early morning, atmospheric in any season.
A second approach from the north via the Kitasando entrance connects to the Yoyogi area. The southern Harajuku approach is more impressive and should be used if arriving from that direction.
What to See at the Shrine
The Main Torii Gate: The first large torii on the south approach, made from 1,500-year-old Taiwanese cypress. Replaced periodically. Photography point before entering the sacred precinct.
The Wine and Sake Barrels: Before reaching the main shrine, rows of wine barrels from Burgundy and sake barrels from Japanese breweries are stacked on either side of the path. The wine barrels were donated following Emperor Meiji’s well-documented interest in Western culture.
The Main Shrine (Honden): The innermost shrine building where the spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken are enshrined. The courtyard before the main hall is where formal shrine rituals take place. Photography of the main hall interior is not permitted.
Omamori and Ema: The shrine shop near the main hall sells omamori (protective charms) and ema (wooden tablets for writing wishes). The selection is among the best at any Tokyo shrine.
Meiji Jingu Gyoen (Inner Garden): A separate formal garden within the precinct (entry 500 yen, additional ticket). Famous for iris flowers in June and the wisteria in April to May. Worth adding if visiting in those seasons.
New Year Visit
Meiji Shrine draws the single largest New Year shrine visit in Japan: over three million people visit in the first three days of January. The queue from January 1 to 3 is several hours long. Visiting Tokyo over New Year’s is a remarkable cultural experience, but requires significant patience.
Getting There
Harajuku Station on the JR Yamanote Line (2 minutes from Shibuya, 4 minutes from Shinjuku). Exit at the Omotesando exit, and the shrine entrance is directly across the road. Also accessible from Meiji-Jingumae Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda and Fukutoshin lines. The shrine sits between Harajuku and Shinjuku, making it a natural connection between these two neighbourhoods.
