Meiji Jingu Shrine: A Forested Shinto Shrine in the Heart of Tokyo
Chances are, you’ve seen or heard of Tokyo’s most famous Shinto shrine, the iconic Meiji Jingu (明治神宫).
Tucked away in a (man-made!) forested area in the heart of Shibuya City, this Shinto shrine attracts millions of people each year, especially in the new year, as Meiji is often the top pick for locals practicing Hatsumode (the tradition of the first Buddhist temple or Shinto shrine visit of the new year to pray for good fortune).
So, should you visit? What makes Meiji Jingu so popular? ⛩️
While Meiji Jingu Shrine is far from being one of Tokyo’s hidden gems—it’s one of the most famous shrines in Tokyo (and Japan)—its spacious grounds, history, and symbol in Japanese culture make it a must-stop for first-time visitors.
Even if you’re not that into Shintoism, Meiji offers a fascinating, man-made green space that’s worth exploring.
After spending several months traveling through Tokyo, I visited Meiji Jingu Shrine on a sunny weekend morning, and, despite the crowds, stepping under the towering torii gate and following the shady gravel path felt refreshing; such a contrast from the skyscrapers and crowded and quirky Takeshita Street (Harajuku) just beyond the forest’s edge!
One highlight of my visit was pulling an omikuji (message of good/bad fortune). And yes, I couldn’t resist picking up an omamori (amulet) for good luck and a keepsake. 🌸
Read more below to learn about Meiji Jingu and how to incorporate a visit into your Tokyo itinerary.
A Mini Guide to Meiji Jingu Shrine
A Brief History — Why Is Meiji Jingu Unique?
Compared to other Shinto shrines in Tokyo, Meiji Jingu isn’t as old as you may think!
It was built in 1920 to honor the legacy of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken, who died in 1912 and 1914.
After they died in 1912 and 1914, the shrine was built to commemorate and venerate their spirits in commemoration of their contribution to modernizing Japan (from a feudal society under the Tokugawa shogunate to a modern, industrialized nation as we know and love it today).
Today, the shrine symbolizes not just their legacy but also Japanese cultural heritage and a place of Shinto worship. It is said Meiji was also a great waka poet and promoter of Japanese culture, hence why you see hundreds of sake barrels on the gravel path to the shrine!
How to Get to Meiji Jingu Shrine
Meiji Jingu Shrine is located and accessible on foot from Harajuku Station.
When exploring this area, it’s super easy to access and tuck into your travel plans. Here’s how to get there:
- By Metro/Train: Take the JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station. Alternatively, use the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda or Fukutoshin lines to Meiji-jingumae Station. It’s a short walk from either station to the shrine’s entrance (about 3-5 minutes).
- By Foot: If you’re exploring Takeshita Street or Omotesando, the shrine is just nearby! However, I recommend you start with the shrine and then continue visiting Harajuku/other areas afterward.
What’s Unique & What to Do at Meiji Jingu Shrine
Meiji Jingu is special for many reasons, as you’ll see why!
But here are some fun facts and cute things to notice as you explore Meiji Jingu.
Draw a Fortune
Like at Senso-ji Buddhist Temple in Asakusa, you can draw a fortune, or omikuji, at Meiji Jingu.
If you’ve never drawn a fortune before, this is how it works!
When drawing omikuji, you shake a wooden box, draw a numbered stick, and open the corresponding drawer to take out a fortune sheet.
You’ll draw a good fortune or bad fortune (and even then, it’s on a scale from “very good to good to bad to very bad”). 🍀
If it’s bad luck, you can tie it to a designated rack/tree to symbolically “leave the misfortune/bad luck” behind.
I love drawing fortunes as it’s a fun part of visiting temples and shrines in Japan.
Usually, these cost a small donation of around ¥100. While not every shrine has omikuji in English, Meiji Jingu, given its popularity among tourists, does!
Buy an Omamori
One of the best Japanese keepsakes to take home, in my opinion, are omamori.
Omamori are amulets sold at most Japanese shrines and temples, each with a specific purpose like protection from evil, health, or success.
These make meaningful souvenirs and carry the blessings of the shrine’s deities! I picked up a beautiful yellow one, “soundness of mind and body” [心身健全], to represent my visit.
You can preview the different omamori offerings on the Meiji Jingu website.
Snap a Photo of Sake Barrels
As you walk along the path to the main temple, you’ll no doubt notice the artsy wall of stacked sake barrels.
The sake barrels are not just an art display but spiritual offerings and donations by sake brewers from across Japan as a gesture of respect to Emperor Meiji for his contributions to bridging and promoting Japanese culture and heritage to the world.
The barrels are empty and used as a decoration, but are ultimately a symbol of culture, art, and international relations.
Catch a Shinto Wedding Procession
While this isn’t necessarily up to you (fate!), witnessing a Shinto wedding at Meiji Jinju is considered good luck.
The first time I went to Meiji, I was surprised to see a beautiful bride and groom dressed in gorgeous kimonos walk through the shrine grounds with a stunning red umbrella. It was beautiful to observe (however briefly!).
To increase your chances of seeing one of the Shinto wedding processions, visit Meiji Jingu on a weekend (however, it will increase the crowd size).
Other everyday things to do at Meiji Jingu include praying at the main shrine (bring yen coins!), writing a wish on an ema (wooden plaque), and visiting the nearby Meijji Museum.
When to Visit Meiji Jingu
Meiji Jingu is beautiful year-round, but the New Year period (hatsumode) is especially important, with millions of visitors praying for the coming year.
Otherwise, spring cherry blossoms and autumn colors also add a magical touch
Then, visit the shrine early in the morning, if possible, or late afternoon to avoid the bulk of the crowds.
Sunrise or sunset would be ideal for soft, natural light for photography!
Tips for Visiting Meiji & Shrine Etiquette
- Admission: The main shrine grounds are free. However, the inner gardens and museum require a small fee.
- Accessibility: The shrine grounds are wheelchair accessible, with ramps and pathways leading to key areas.
- Nearby stuff to do: You can combine your visit with a stroll through Harajuku’s quirky shops or explore the fashionable Omotesando area!
I hope this mini guide helps you plan your visit to Meiji Jingu!
Despite being one of Tokyo’s most visited spots, I always enjoy coming back to the shrine; it’s become somewhat of a pilgrimage whenever I return to Tokyo!
