Tokyo's most important Shinto shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, who oversaw Japan's modernization. Nestled in a 175-acre forested park in the heart of Tokyo, it offers tranquility amid urban chaos. Traditional wedding ceremonies and festivals occur regularly.
Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu) is a Shinto shrine in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji (1852–1912) and his consort Empress Shoken. Emperor Meiji oversaw Japan's dramatic transition from feudal isolationism to modern industrialized nationhood during the Meiji period. The shrine was completed in 1920 and draws approximately 3 million visitors during the New Year period — the highest annual Hatsumode (first shrine visit) attendance in Japan. The approach passes through a dense 70-hectare forested park containing approximately 120,000 trees of 365 species, donated from across Japan at the time of construction. This forest, remarkable in the middle of Tokyo, creates an immediate sensory separation from the city around it. The main approach from the southern Harajuku entrance follows a wide gravel path lined by towering camphor trees; intermediate torii gates — the largest constructed from a 1,500-year-old hinoki cypress — mark the transition into sacred space. The main sanctuary consists of the worship hall and main hall in classical Nagare-zukuri style. To the right of the main precinct, the Inner Garden (Gyoen) contains an iris garden with 150 varieties blooming in June, accessible separately for ¥500. The Treasure Museum (Homotsuden) displays personal items of the imperial couple. Traditional Shinto weddings are performed regularly at the shrine, and Sunday mornings offer the best chance of witnessing a procession.
Good to know
- Hours
- Sunrise to sunset (varies by season)
- Best for
- culture enthusiasts, nature lovers, families, spiritual seekers
Location
1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-8557
35.6764, 139.6993 View on map
Highlights
- 70-hectare forested sanctuary park with 120,000 trees at the heart of Tokyo
- Giant torii gate constructed from 1,500-year-old hinoki cypress
- Japan's most-visited Hatsumode site — 3 million New Year pilgrims over three days
- Inner Garden with 150 iris varieties in peak bloom during June
- Sunday morning Shinto wedding processions in full traditional dress
Tips for visiting
- Enter through the massive torii gate made of 1,700-year-old cypress
- Write a wish on an ema (wooden prayer plaque)
- Lucky to witness a traditional Shinto wedding procession
- Visit the treasure museum for ¥500 to see imperial artifacts
When to visit
Early weekday mornings offer the forest path in near-silence — a rare meditative experience in central Tokyo. June brings iris blooms in the Inner Garden. New Year's period (January 1–3) is extraordinarily atmospheric but extremely crowded.
Accessibility
The main approach path is wide compacted gravel — navigable with wheelchairs but not perfectly smooth. The main sanctuary precinct has paved areas. The Inner Garden has some steps. The shrine opens at sunrise and closes at sunset, with specific hours varying by season.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Meiji Shrine take?
Walking from the Harajuku entrance to the main sanctuary and back takes about 45 minutes. Including the Inner Garden and the Treasure Museum extends the visit to 1.5–2 hours.
Is there an admission fee for Meiji Shrine?
The main shrine and forest path are free to enter. The Inner Garden (Gyoen) costs ¥500 for adults. The Treasure Museum costs ¥500 separately.
Can visitors participate in any rituals at the shrine?
Visitors can purchase ema (wooden prayer plaques) and omamori (protective charms) at the shrine office. Temizuya (purification water basins) at the entrance allow visitors to cleanse their hands in the traditional manner before approaching the main hall.