A traditional Japanese Shinto shrine entrance with a large wooden gate, green-tiled roof, and paper lanterns, set against a backdrop of trees and a partly cloudy sky.

A person with a red backpack holds a transparent umbrella while standing on a wet path beneath a large wooden torii gate, surrounded by dense green trees.

A row of wooden ladles rests on a traditional purification fountain at a Japanese shrine, with a person in the background performing a ritual cleansing. The scene is set outdoors with greenery visible.

People walk and gather in front of a large traditional Japanese shrine with a wide, sloped roof, flanked by two lush green trees, under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

A woman in a red floral dress stands beside a wall of stacked decorative sake barrels with Japanese writing, surrounded by greenery on a paved path.

A traditional Japanese Shinto shrine with wooden architecture, tall pillars, and a sloping roof. Large green trees surround the shrine, and stone steps lead up to the entrance on a bright, sunny day.

Tokyo

Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingū)

Name: Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingū)
Address: 1-1 Yoyogikamizonochō, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-8557, Japan
Rating: 4.6

4.6 (47277)Tourist AttractionPlace Of WorshipPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Meiji Shrine (明治神宮, Meiji Jingū) is a Shinto shrine in Shibuya. Dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, it’s one of Japan’s most important religious sites. Built in 1920, it honors Emperor Meiji, who was the key player in the Meiji Restoration, the period when Japan became a modern state.

You start your journey at the big torii gate, a 1500 year old cypress wood structure. This gate marks the entrance to a forested area, a peaceful oasis in the middle of the busy city. The path, lined with over 100,000 trees from all over Japan, leads to the main shrine buildings, feeling peaceful and sacred.

The honden is the main hall and is a simple yet beautiful traditional Japanese building. It’s where people come to pray, write wishes on ema (wooden plaques), and participate in traditional ceremonies. Meiji Shrine is also famous for its seasonal events, such as the Yabusame archery in autumn and the New Year’s celebrations, which attracts millions of visitors seeking blessings for the year.

Next to the shrine is the Meiji Jingu Inner Garden, a peaceful oasis famous for its iris garden, which is especially beautiful in June during the rainy season. Meiji Shrine is a peaceful place to celebrate Japan’s imperial history and culture.

Phone

+81 3-3379-5511

Website

www.meijijingu.or.jp

The area

Address

1-1 Yoyogikamizonochō, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-8557, Japan

What other travelers are saying about Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingū)

Meiji Jingu is one of Tokyo’s most beautiful and calming places to visit. Located next to Harajuku and Yoyogi Park, this Shinto shrine feels like a quiet forest sanctuary right in the middle of the city. As you walk through the massive torii gates and along the gravel paths surrounded by tall trees, the noise of Tokyo fades away. The shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken and was completed in 1920. It is an important spiritual site for the Japanese people, often visited for prayers, traditional weddings, and seasonal ceremonies. The architecture is simple yet elegant, perfectly blending with the natural surroundings. Meiji Jingu is especially lovely in the morning or during spring and autumn. Entry is free, and it’s a great place to experience Japanese culture, reflect, and enjoy nature. A must-visit spot for anyone traveling to Tokyo

Meisam Ghasemi

Dec 13, 2025

This place is in the heart of Tokyo as well, the Meiji Jingu. I was surprised because the place is vast. When entering, you can really feel that you are inside of a sacred place. You can only here the sounds of the bird while walking even though there's a lot of people coming and going. The forest gives a peaceful vibes and I really liked it. The walk is long but when you reach the main temple, it is really crowded but still happy to see it. I was also interested at the couple tree and we were so blessed to see a wedding pictorial there. We also went to the Well. It has an additional maintenance fee but unfortunately we didn't see much because it is a seasonal based spot. Overall we enjoyed the walk.

mhi_chanphjp

Oct 30, 2025

This shrine was really peaceful and beautiful, and what makes it even better is that everything is completely free—no entry fees, no lines, and no waiting. You can just walk right in and enjoy it at your own pace. It’s located right by a park, which makes the entire area feel even more scenic. The path itself is gorgeous, especially right now, with plenty of greenery and quiet spots to take in. It has that same calm, natural charm that many shrines do, but what stood out most to me was how it feels like you’ve completely left the city behind. My friend and I both commented on how relaxing it was to walk around—it almost feels like a hidden escape in the middle of everything. If you’re looking for a peaceful stroll or just a moment away from the city noise, this is the perfect spot to unwind.

Marissa G. W

Nov 4, 2025

Before even arriving at Meiji Jingu, there are a few things every visitor should know that make the experience smoother and more enjoyable. The shrine opens at sunrise and closes at sunset, so visiting earlier in the day provides the quietest atmosphere. Entry to the main grounds is completely free, though the Inner Garden and Museum require tickets. Since this is an active Shinto shrine, modest and respectful clothing is appreciated, and visitors are asked to speak softly around the main hall. Photography is allowed throughout most of the grounds, but not inside the hall itself. Eating and drinking aren’t permitted inside the shrine area, and for those unfamiliar with Shinto customs, the prayer ritual is simple: bow twice, clap twice, make a wish, and bow once again. The shrine is also extremely easy to reach, located right next to Harajuku and Meiji-jingumae stations. Once inside, the experience feels worlds away from Tokyo’s busy streets. The walk begins under an enormous wooden torii gate, leading into a vast forest made up of thousands of trees donated from across Japan. The gravel paths, shaded by tall cedars and cypresses, immediately create a peaceful, almost meditative atmosphere. The shrine itself, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken and originally completed in 1920, is beautifully maintained. Visitors often witness traditional wedding processions, adding a living cultural element to this serene and historically significant place.

Nov 21, 2025

We came here around 5pm and it was still really busy, but the moment you walk through the big torii gate you can still feel how calm the place is. The forest path is beautiful and quiet, even though it’s right in the middle of the city. It really gives you a break from all the crowds in Harajuku. The shrine itself is simple but very beautiful. It’s not about flashy decorations, it’s more about the atmosphere and the space. Even with people around, it still feels peaceful and respectful. If you’re already in Harajuku or Shibuya, it’s an easy walk and definitely worth visiting — especially if you want a little moment of quiet after being in the city all day.