Meiji Shrine Shrine

Address: Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu), Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan

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

Hours: Shrine grounds open daily (typically sunrise-sunset)

Admission: Shrine grounds free to visit; Meiji Jingu Inner Garden has a small admission fee

Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine in central Tokyo dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken, established following the emperor’s death and formally completed in 1920. The shrine is set within a large planted forest and is one of Tokyo’s principal religious sites.

The complex includes the main hall and offering areas, a collection of donated torii gates and forested walking paths covering a substantial green space that separates the shrine from the surrounding urban neighbourhood. Visitors come for shrine rituals, seasonal festivals and to experience the forested approach.

The shrine was built in the early 20th century to enshrine Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken; many of the original structures were damaged during World War II and major restorations and rebuilds occurred in the mid-20th century. The forested grounds were created from trees donated from across Japan.

Meiji Shrine sits in the Shibuya/Harajuku area of central Tokyo, immediately adjacent to Yoyogi Park and a short walk from Harajuku Station. The site provides a large green contrast to the neighbouring shopping and entertainment districts.

• Best visiting times: Early morning or late afternoon visits provide quieter paths through the forested precincts and better lighting for photos of the shrine’s main buildings.
• Practical note: Visitors may see traditional Shinto ceremonies and can purchase ema plaques or write wishes at the shrine’s votive boards.

Meiji Shrine is beside Harajuku Station (JR Yamanote Line); exit at Harajuku (Harajuku/Omotesandō entrances) and the shrine’s main (south) gate is a 1-5 minute walk through the tree-lined approach. Alternatively use Meiji-jingumae ‘Harajuku’ Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda and Fukutoshin lines (also immediate access). It’s in central Tokyo and a short train ride from major hubs (10-20 minutes from Tokyo/Shinjuku by rail).

• Go first thing in the morning (before 9:00) through the Harajuku Station entrance to enjoy the shrine's forested approach and the clearest sense of tranquility before crowds arrive.
• For a quieter experience and different access, enter from the Yoyogi Park side (north gate) where fewer tourists start their visit; it's also a good approach if you're combining the shrine with a Yoyogi Park walk.
• Don't miss the Inner Garden (Meiji Jingu Gyoen) and the serene Meiji Shrine gardens-these paid garden areas and side paths are frequently skipped by visitors who only see the main shrine.