Meiji Jingu: Tokyo's Forest Shrine Beside Harajuku
How to visit Meiji Jingu, the peaceful forest shrine in the heart of Tokyo: the giant torii, the sake barrels, the inner garden and shrine etiquette.
Quick answer
- What it is: a major Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.
- Famous for: its huge wooden torii, the wall of sake barrels and a man-made forest in central Tokyo.
- Entry: free. The inner garden charges a small fee.
- Time needed: 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Best time: early morning, when the gravel paths are quiet.
Step off the busy streets of Harajuku, pass under a giant wooden torii, and the city noise fades away. Within a few minutes you are walking through a deep green forest towards one of Tokyo's most important shrines.
Why Meiji Jingu is a wonder
Meiji Jingu was completed in 1920 to honour Emperor Meiji, who led Japan's rapid modernisation, and his wife Empress Shoken. The main buildings were destroyed in the Second World War and rebuilt in 1958.
The forest that surrounds the shrine is not natural. Around 100,000 trees were donated from all over Japan and planted by volunteers, designed to grow into a self-sustaining forest that would last for centuries.
Barrels, wishes and weddings
On the path to the shrine, a colourful wall of sake barrels faces a row of French wine barrels. Both were donated as offerings, reflecting the Emperor's interest in Western culture.
Near the main hall, visitors write wishes on wooden ema plaques. If you are lucky, you may see a traditional Shinto wedding procession crossing the courtyard.
Along the approach
| Spot | What you see | Time (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Great torii | One of Japan's largest wooden torii gates | 5 minutes |
| Sake barrel wall | Rows of decorated barrels offered to the shrine | 5 minutes |
| Main hall | The heart of the shrine, with its courtyard and ema plaques | 20 minutes |
| Meiji Jingu Gyoen | An inner garden with an iris field and Kiyomasa's Well | 30 minutes |
| Forest paths | Quiet gravel paths through the shrine's forest | 20 minutes |
When to go
- Early morning: the shrine opens at sunrise, and the forest is calm and cool.
- June: the irises bloom in the inner garden.
- New Year: millions visit for hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the year, so expect huge crowds.
- Weekends: the best chance to see a traditional wedding procession.
Our tip: Pair an early visit to Meiji Jingu with a walk down Omotesando and Takeshita Street afterwards. The contrast between the silent forest and Harajuku's fashion crowds is the best part.
Getting there
- By JR: Harajuku Station on the Yamanote Line is right next to the south entrance.
- By subway: Meiji-jingumae Station on the Chiyoda and Fukutoshin lines is also next to the entrance.
- From Shinjuku: the north entrance is a short walk from JR Yoyogi Station or Shinjuku.
Shrine etiquette
- Bow once before passing under each torii and walk at the sides of the path, as the centre is for the gods.
- Rinse your hands and mouth at the water basin before approaching the main hall.
- At the hall, bow twice, clap twice, make your prayer, then bow once more.
- Do not photograph wedding processions too closely or block their path.
Frequently asked questions
Is Meiji Jingu free to enter?
Yes. Entry to the shrine grounds is free. The inner garden, Meiji Jingu Gyoen, charges a small fee.
What are Meiji Jingu's opening hours?
The shrine opens around sunrise and closes around sunset, so times change through the year.
How long do you need at Meiji Jingu?
About 1 to 1.5 hours, including the walk through the forest.
How do you get to Meiji Jingu?
It is next to Harajuku Station on the JR Yamanote Line and Meiji-jingumae Station on the subway.
Zao Snow Monsters
Whole forests frozen into strange white giants by winter winds.
We check this guide regularly. Prices, hours and rules in Japan can change, so confirm with the official sources below before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.