Meiji Shrine

Shrine

Prefecture

Tokyo

Type

Shrine

N/A

1 review

English Staff Train Access Cafe

About This Destination

Majestic shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, set within a 70-hectare evergreen forest in central Tokyo.

Meiji Shrine is Tokyo's most important Shinto shrine, dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Set within a 70-hectare forest of 120,000 trees donated from across Japan, the shrine offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city of Shibuya and Harajuku just steps away. The massive torii gate at the entrance is one of the largest in Japan, made from a 1,500-year-old cypress tree from Taiwan. Visitors can write wishes on ema wooden plaques and participate in traditional Shinto rituals. The shrine is especially crowded during Hatsumode (New Year's visit), drawing over three million visitors in the first few days of January. The adjacent Meiji Jingu Gaien area features tree-lined avenues and sports facilities.

Location

Prefecture: Tokyo

Address: Tokyo, Japan

Nearest Station: Meiji-jingumae Station

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Visitor Information

Credit Cards: Unknown

Food Options: A small cafe near the shrine garden serves matcha and light refreshments. Nearby Harajuku and Omotesando offer endless dining options.

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Meiji Shrine?

Take the JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station (the shrine entrance is right across the street) or the Metro Chiyoda/Fukutoshin Line to Meiji-jingumae Station. The walk through the forest to the main shrine takes about 10 minutes.

Is Meiji Shrine free to visit?

Yes, the shrine and its forest grounds are free to visit. The Inner Garden (Meiji Jingu Gyoen) requires a separate admission of 500 yen and is known for its iris garden in June.

When is the best time to visit?

Early morning offers the most peaceful atmosphere. Avoid the first week of January (New Year's Hatsumode) unless you want to experience the crowds—over 3 million people visit during this period. Weekend mornings often feature traditional Shinto weddings.

What's the story behind the Meiji-jingu forest?

The 70-hectare forest of approximately 100,000 trees from 365 species was planted between 1915–1920 by 110,000 volunteers — every single tree donated from across Japan and abroad. Designed by botanists to be a self-sustaining 'eternal forest' that needs no human maintenance, it has now matured into a true climax forest. Today it's considered one of Tokyo's most successful ecological projects, with rare birds and insects thriving here. Stay on the gravel paths; the forest interior is protected.