Meiji Jingu, also known as Meiji Shrine, is one of the most important Shinto shrines in Tokyo. It is dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji, who led Japan's rapid modernisation in the late 19th century, and his wife Empress Shoken. The shrine stands in a large forest between Harajuku and Yoyogi, and walking from the city noise into the shade of its tall trees is a big part of the experience. Entry to the shrine grounds is free.
Why visit Meiji Jingu
The shrine was completed in 1920, a few years after the emperor's death, and was rebuilt after its main buildings were destroyed in the Second World War. The forest around it was planted at the same time, using trees donated from across Japan, and has grown into a dense woodland that now feels natural. It is one of the largest green spaces in central Tokyo.
Meiji Jingu is a living shrine, not a museum. You may see traditional Shinto weddings, with a bride in white and a procession led by priests, and families bringing young children for blessings. At New Year it receives some of the largest crowds of any shrine in Japan.
Getting to Meiji Jingu by metro and train
The shrine has several entrances, so pick your station by the side you want to start from:
- Kita-sando on the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line is closest to the northern side of the grounds, a short walk from the north entrance.
- Meiji-jingumae (Harajuku) on the Chiyoda and Fukutoshin lines, and JR Harajuku on the Yamanote Line, are by the southern main entrance. This is the route most visitors take, under the first large torii gate.
- Yoyogi, on the JR lines and the Toei Oedo Line, is near the western side.
From the southern gate it is a walk of around 10 minutes along a wide gravel path through the forest to the main shrine buildings, so wear comfortable shoes.
Meiji Jingu entry and opening hours
There is no charge to enter the shrine grounds. The gates open around sunrise and close around sunset, so opening hours change through the year. A few areas charge a separate fee: the Meiji Jingu Gyoen, or Inner Garden, and the Meiji Jingu Museum. Check the official Meiji Jingu website for current hours, fees and any closures.
A few points of etiquette:
- Bow lightly when you pass through a torii gate, and walk to the side of the path, since the centre is traditionally for the deity.
- Rinse your hands and mouth at the purification fountain before you approach the main hall.
- At the hall, a common way to pray is to bow twice, clap twice and bow once more.
- Photography is allowed in the grounds, but be respectful during ceremonies and weddings.
Best time to visit and how long to spend
Early morning is the most peaceful time, with light coming through the trees and fewer people on the paths. Weekends are busier, and the first days of January are extremely crowded. June is the season for the irises in the Inner Garden. Allow around an hour for the walk in and the main shrine, or longer if you visit the Inner Garden or the museum.
Highlights at Meiji Jingu
The great torii gates
The wooden torii on the approach are among the largest in Japan. The main one before the shrine is made of ancient cypress wood.
The sake and wine barrels
Along the path, a wall of decorated sake barrels donated by brewers faces a display of wine barrels from France, a nod to the emperor's interest in Western culture.
The main shrine
The main buildings are built in a simple, elegant style using Japanese cypress. Visitors can write wishes on wooden ema plaques and hang them by the sacred trees in the courtyard.
The Inner Garden
This paid garden contains a pond, an iris garden and Kiyomasa's Well, a spring that has become popular as a spot for good luck.
Nearby on the same stop
- Takeshita-dori: Harajuku's narrow street of youth fashion and sweet crepes, opposite the JR station.
- Omotesando: a tree-lined avenue of flagship stores and striking architecture.
- Yoyogi Park: a large open park next to the shrine forest, popular for picnics and weekend gatherings.
- Shibuya: one stop south on the Yamanote or Fukutoshin lines.
See what else is around this stop on the Meiji Jingu page, or explore the Tokyo metro map.