What other travelers are saying about Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingū)
This was the first shrine my friend and I visited during our three-week visit to Japan. An agreeable start, for sure! Serene and picturesque. Beloved but still breathable crowd-wise. Meiji was one of many free attractions we savored. More benches would have been appreciated, but it’s still worth a look.
Photography by Jason Taylor
We loved the calm, quiet, peaceful walk into the temple. Crowds became more congested inside the temple itself, but despite the amount of people you are still able to enjoy the experience. Tourists respected the property and atmosphere as much as the locals did. it was an educational and enlightening experience throughout our time visiting. We spent 1.5 hours there and that included lunch and gift shop wandering.
Visiting the Meiji Shrine is a deeply calming experience. You walk through a lush green forest, surrounded by towering trees and the sound of birds echoing in the air. The path itself feels like a peaceful journey away from the city’s noise. Once you reach the shrine, a sense of silence and tranquility takes over. People are respectful, and even tourists naturally adapt to the calm, disciplined atmosphere of the locals. One lovely activity is writing your wish on a wooden plaque and hanging it on the wall beneath the sacred tree. It’s a quiet, meaningful moment. Please remember to stay silent and be respectful of those praying at the shrine. You can film and take photos throughout the forest area.. .many beautiful videos come out of this serene place.
This place is so nice I had to visit it twice. Honestly it’s one of the most beautiful forests I have ever walked in. It is like national park tucked inside of one the busiest cities in the world. Please come here if you wish to take a break from the busy city of Tokyo. Enjoy the nature and learn some history about Emperor Meiji.
Visiting Meiji Jingu was one of the highlights of our trip to Tokyo! The shrine is surrounded by a tranquil forest, and walking through the massive torii gates felt like stepping into another world. It was peaceful, serene, and a beautiful contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city nearby. We were incredibly lucky to see a traditional Japanese wedding taking place during our visit it was such a unique and beautiful ceremony, with the bride and groom dressed in elegant traditional attire, accompanied by attendants and musicians. Watching it felt like witnessing a moment of living history and deep cultural tradition. My entire family, including the kids, thought it was amazing to see something so meaningful and different from what we're used to. The shrine itself is clean, well maintained, and very welcoming to visitors. There are also lovely displays, barrels of sake and wine offerings, and a place to write wishes or prayers. Meiji Jingu is a must visit if you're interested in Japanese culture, spirituality, or simply want a quiet, beautiful place to walk and reflect.
