Meiji Shrine (明治神宮, Meiji Jingū) is a shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. Located just beside the JR Yamanote Line's busy Harajuku Station, Meiji Shrine and the adjacent Yoyogi Park make up a large forested area within the densely built-up city and offer walking paths for a relaxing stroll away from the concrete.
The shrine was completed and dedicated to the Emperor Meiji and the Empress Shoken in 1920, eight years after the passing of the emperor and six years after the passing of the empress. The shrine was destroyed during the war but was rebuilt shortly thereafter.
Emperor Meiji was the first emperor of modern Japan. He was born in 1852 and ascended to the throne in 1867 at the peak of the Meiji Restoration when Japan's feudal era came to an end and the emperor was restored to power. During the Meiji Period, Japan modernized herself to join the world's major powers by the time Emperor Meiji passed away in 1912.
The main complex of shrine buildings is located a ten minute walk from both the southern entrance near Harajuku Station and the northern entrance near Yoyogi Station. Entry into the shrine grounds is marked by a massive torii gate, after which the sights and sounds of the busy city are replaced by a tranquil forest. The approximately 100,000 trees that make up Meiji Jingu's forest were planted during the shrine's construction and were donated from regions across the entire country.
At the middle of the forest, Meiji Jingu's buildings also have an air of tranquility distinct from the surrounding city. Visitors can take part in typical Shinto activities, such as making offerings at the main hall, buying charms and amulets or writing out one's wish on an ema.
Meiji Jingu is one of Japan's most popular shrines. In the first days of the New Year, the shrine regularly welcomes more than three million visitors for the year's first prayers (hatsumode), more than any other shrine or temple in the country. During the rest of the year, traditional Shinto weddings can often be seen taking place there.
Not far from the Harajuku shrine entrance along the approach to the shrine buildings stands the Meiji Jingu Museum, which was newly opened in 2019. Elegantly designed by star architect Kuma Kengo, the museum displays treasures from the shrine's collection, including interesting personal belongings of the emperor and empress and the carriage which the emperor rode to the formal declaration of the Meiji Constitution in 1889.
A large area of the southern section of the shrine grounds is taken up by the Inner Garden, which requires an entrance fee to enter. The garden becomes particularly popular in mid June when many irises are in bloom. A small well, Kiyomasa's Well, is located in the garden and named after the military commander who dug it around 400 years ago. The well had been visited by the emperor and has become a popular spiritual "power spot".
Getting there and around
The approach to Meiji Shrine starts a few steps from Harajuku Station on the JR Yamanote Line or Meiji-jingu-mae Station on the Chiyoda and Fukutoshin subway lines.
Hours and Fees
Meiji Shrine
Hours
Closed
Admission
Meiji Jingu Museum
Hours
Closed
Admission
Inner Garden
Hours
Admission ends 30 minutes before closing time.
Extended hours during the middle of June.
Closed
Admission
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
English
Japanese
Hotels around Tokyo
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cyashitsu ryokan asakusaSituated in Tokyo, 300 metres from Asakusa Fujiasama Shrine and 7.5 km from the centre, cyashitsu ryokan asakusa features air-conditioned accommodation with free WiFi, and an open-air bath. This 3-star ryokan offers a lift and full-day security. The ryokan offers a hot tub and luggage storage space. At the ryokan, the units come with a wardrobe. Each unit has a safety deposit box and some rooms include city views. The units are equipped with heating facilities. At the ryokan, the family-friendly restaurant is open for dinner and specialises in Japanese cuisine. Guests can also relax in the shared lounge area. Popular points of interest near cyashitsu ryokan asakusa include Nitenmon Gate, Edo Taito Traditional Crafts Center and Hozomon Gate. Tokyo Haneda Airport is 24 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Kaminarimon RyokanIdeally set in the centre of Tokyo, Kaminarimon Ryokan offers Asian breakfast and free WiFi throughout the property. Popular points of interest nearby include Hozomon Gate, Nitenmon Gate and Asakusa ROX Shopping Center. The property is non-smoking and is set 300 metres from Asakusa Public Hall. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a coffee machine, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. The rooms include a kettle, while selected rooms also feature a terrace and others also feature city views. At Kaminarimon Ryokan the rooms come with bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Drum Museum, Komagatado and Asakusa Station. Tokyo Haneda Airport is 22 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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The Okura TokyoComposed of 2 buildings, The Okura Tokyo boasts a garden and bar. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi. The accommodation features a concierge, ticket service and currency exchange for guests. All rooms are fitted with air conditioning, a fridge, kettle and flat-screen TV with satellite channels. All guest rooms have a private bathroom with a bath, hairdryer, bidet and free toiletries. Located on 28-40 floors, Prestige Tower offers rooms with cityscape views. Guests booking room type with Club Lounge Access in Heritage Wing can enjoy Club Lounge. Spacious rooms in Heritage Wing include complimentary welcome drink, steam sauna and spa bath. Guests at the hotel can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Popular points of interest near The Okura Tokyo include Iino Hall and Conference Centre, National Diet Building and Space FS Shiodome. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International, 22 km from the hotel, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.View on Booking.com -
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ulu TokyoAttractively located in the Koto Ward district of Tokyo, ulu Tokyo is set 500 metres from Shibusawa Eiichi Taku Monument, 700 metres from Site of Mutsu Munemitsu Residence and 500 metres from Shinkawa Historic Place Monument. The 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is situated 700 metres from Monument of Electric Experiment at Hiraga Gennai. The rooms at the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV and a kitchen. Ulu Tokyo features some rooms with city views, and all rooms are equipped with a balcony. At the accommodation rooms are equipped with bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near ulu Tokyo include Masago Monument, Bank of Japan Origin Place Monument and Takao Inari Shrine. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 17 km from the hotel.View on Booking.com -
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SOLA HOTELFeaturing 3-star accommodation, SOLA HOTEL is located in Tokyo, 300 metres from Kamejimashogakko Memorial Park and 800 metres from Kameido Tenjin Shrine. Among the facilities at this property are a lift and full-day security, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The aparthotel features family rooms. The aparthotel will provide guests with air-conditioned units with a wardrobe, a kettle, a microwave, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. There is also a well-fitted kitchen in some of the units equipped with an oven and toaster. At the aparthotel, every unit has bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the aparthotel include Umeyashiki Monument, Tokyo Skytree and Tobacco & Salt Museum. Tokyo Haneda Airport is 21 km away.View on Booking.com -
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ENT TERRACE AKIHABARAIdeally situated in the centre of Tokyo, ENT TERRACE AKIHABARA is within 400 metres of Origami Kaikan and 500 metres of TKP Garden City Premium Akihabara. The property is close to several well-known attractions, 500 metres from Yushima Seido, 400 metres from EDO Culture Complex and 500 metres from Ochanomizu Park. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, a shuttle service, room service and free WiFi throughout the property. All rooms in the hotel are fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kitchen, a dining area, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a bidet, free toiletries and a hairdryer. At ENT TERRACE AKIHABARA the rooms include bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Kamezumiinari Shrine, Akihabara Neribei Park and Yushima Goryo Shrine. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 21 km from ENT TERRACE AKIHABARA.View on Booking.com -
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Hotel Gajoen TokyoBoasting chic decor with touches of Japanese traditional aethetics, Hotel Gajoen Tokyo is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. 7 dining options are featured, and free parking is available on site. JR Meguro Station is 6 minutes on foot and Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum is a 12-minute stroll. Free WiFi is provided throughout. All spacious rooms rooms include a satellite TV with cable channels, minibar, a coffee machine and handy smartphone. An en suite bathroom is fitted with a spa bath, free toiletries and hairdryer. For your comfort, some rooms include a sauna. Guests can unwind in a Japanese-style garden or at a library on site The front desk is open for 24 hours a day, and there are a pastry shop and gift shop at the property. Massage services and room services can be arranged. Shunyuki serves signature Chinese delicacies, while Tofutei offers an authentic Japanese kaiseki multi-course meal. Teppanyaki Japanese wagyu beed, American-style grilled dishes and Italian cuisine can be sampled on site. Live piano performance can also be enjoyed at an on-site cafe lounge in the day time. JR Shibuya Station is a 5-minute train ride, while JR Shinagawa Station is 8 minutes by train from Hotel Gajoen Tokyo. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 10 km away.View on Booking.com -
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Tokyo Hikari GuesthouseLocated in Tokyo, 300 metres from Kuramae Mizu no Yakata, Tokyo Hikari Guesthouse features views of the city. Featuring a garden, the 2-star hostel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a shared bathroom. The accommodation provides a shared kitchen, a shared lounge and luggage storage for guests. All units include bed linen. Popular points of interest near the hostel include Kuramae Jinja Shrine, Jinnai Shrine and Choju-in Temple. Tokyo Haneda Airport is 21 km away.View on Booking.com
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