Meiji Jingu: Most Popular Landmark in Harajuku

There are numerous tourist attractions in Harajuku, and Meiji Shrine is one of the best places to visit. Here is the guide to things to see at Meiji Shrine and how to get there.

Speaking of one of Japan’s religious symbols, there are numerous historical shrines in Tokyo. Meiji Jingu (明治神宮), also known as Meiji Shrine, is one of the largest and most popular Shinto shrines in Tokyo. During the first few days of the New Year’s Holidays, millions of people visit Meiji Shrine worship. The powerful shrine, an oasis in busy towns like Harajuku and Shibuya, is located close to Harajuku Station.

For a general overview of the Shibuya and Harajuku area, check out our All-in-One Guide to Shibuya and All-in-One Guide to Harajuku!

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What is Meiji Jingu (Meiji Shrine)

Meiji Shrine, built in 1920, is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Emperor Meiji had encouraged the country to modernize and westernize itself since he ascended to the throne in 1869. She was known as the empress who had been committed to social welfare and education of women through the Meiji Period.

People have commemorated their virtues and have venerated them. Funds were contributed by those people for rebuilding it in 1958 after it was burned down by the WWII air raids once. Furthermore, thanks to those people from both Japan and overseas, 100 thousand trees were planted. That’s why you can find rich nature at the site of Meiji Shrine now.

What to do at Meiji Jingu (Meiji Shrine)

Torii gates

There are some gigantic wooden shrine torii gates at the entrances of the site and in front of the shrine’s main hall.

Approaches

Meiji Jingu is accessible from three train stations, and there are three different closest entrances to each station, which means three approaches from each entrance to the main hall. You can enjoy walking in rich nature and seeing unique things including a bunch of Japanese Sake barrels and wine barrels.

Main Hall

Worshipping like Japanese is what you should do at Meiji Shrine. Check out how to worship at a Shinto shrine in Japan in this article.

It is also recommended to purchase Ema (a wooden votive tablet) on which people write their wishes on it and hang it. It is believed that the wishes on the tablet will come true.

Restaurant and Shop

For more attractions apart from historical treasures, Meiji Jingu offers Forest Terrace which consists of various facilities such as a restaurant Yoyogi and a souvenir shop Mori. Take a break at the restaurant or enjoy shopping for Japanese traditional souvenirs.

Meiji Jingu Museum

There were two museums, Treasure Museum Main Building and Treasure Museum Annex on the site, which closed in 2018. In late October 2019, a new museum opened as Meiji Jingu Museum, with personal belongings and other things related to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken on display.

How to Get to Meiji Jingu (Meiji Shrine)

Map

Access

You can access Meiji Shrine from three stations: 11 mins walk from Harajuku Station (原宿駅), 15 mins walk from Yoyogi Station (代々木駅), 11 mins walk from Sangubashi Station (参宮橋駅). It is recommended for first-timers to get from Harajuku Station of JR Yamanote Line since the green line is very useful and stops at popular tourist stations besides Harajuku such as Tokyo, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Akihabara, Ueno, etc.

Address

1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-8557

Business Hours

Opening and closing times change every month according to sunrise and sunset times:

6:40–16:20 (January)/6:20–16:50 (February)/5:40–17:20 (March)/5:10–17:50 (April)/5:00–18:10 (May)/5:00–18:30 (June)/5:00–18:20 (July)/5:00–18:00 (August)/5:20–17:20 (September)/5:40–16:40 (October)/6:10–16:10 (November)/6:40–16:00 (December) 

Price

Free

Official Website

https://www.meijijingu.or.jp/

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Tourist Reviews of Meiji Jingu

Meiji Jingu, one of Tokyo’s most iconic Shinto shrines, is celebrated not only for its historical significance but also for the serene natural surroundings that captivate visitors. With a stellar Google rating of 4.6 (based on 39,596 reviews), a TripAdvisor score of 4.5 (ranked #2 of 351 things to do in Shibuya), and a Yelp rating of 4.5 (162 reviews), it consistently garners high praise from tourists.

On TripAdvisor, one visitor highlighted how having a local guide enriched their experience:

We visited with a local guide which helped give it context. The grounds are beautiful and rich with culture as the guide explained as we walked through. I would highly recommend a visit and learn about the customs at the gates, along the walkways and at the temple.

―from TripAdvisor

Meanwhile, a Yelp reviewer reflected on their nostalgic visit to the shrine:

This was not my first time visiting the Meiji Jingu Shrine because I had been there when I was little. After we shopped at Takeshita Street in Harajuku then we walked to Meiji Jingu. It was a wonderful experience and I like the shrine’s traditional architecture. It was a beautiful, peaceful walk to the Meiji Shrine even though it was a little exhausting due to the hot weather.

―from Yelp

These reviews reflect the shrine’s unique ability to combine cultural immersion with tranquility, offering an escape from Tokyo’s bustling energy.

Why Not Pass By Omotesando?

The long shopping street Omotesando Street, which was made as the outer approach to Meiji Shrine in 1919, is also one of the best places to visit near the shrine. Cool clothing stores and trendy food stores are lined up along the street.

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For more info about Harajuku and Shibuya, check out these articles below, too!