Meiji Jingu Shrine

Meiji Jingu Shrine - main photo

Meiji Shrine (Photo: Meiji-Jingu-Shrine-06 – Rs1421 / CC BY-SA 3.0)

Overview

Static map of (35.675564646577, 139.69936704636)

Address

Japan, Tokyo, Shibuya Yoyogikamizonocho 1-1
( Map ) ( Directions )

Hours

Closed today Closed now

Opening Hours

  • Monday

    Closed

  • Tuesday

    Closed

  • Wednesday

    Closed

  • Thursday

    Closed

  • Friday

    Closed

  • Saturday

    Closed

  • Sunday

    Closed

  • Holidays

    Closed

Price

Free

Phone

03-3379-5511

Highlights

Ootorii, Great or Second Torii Gate

Standing at 12 meters tall and 17.1 meters wide, Ootorii is the largest wooden myojin-style torii in Japan. The original gate was destroyed by lightning in 1966, but was reconstructed by 1975 with a Japanese cypress that was more than 1,000 years old as the building material. The gate’s sheer size is breathtaking and speaks volumes to the sacredness of the shrine. For many visitors, Ootorii will be the second torii gate they walk through during their journey to the main shrine grounds. 

Ootorii, Great or Second Torii Gate

Main Hall

The Main Hall or Honden is Meiji Jingu’s most impressive and sacred building; it is where the kami deities are enshrined. After guests pass under Minami Shinmon, which is the gate to the main complex and one of the shrine’s few original structures, they are greeted by a massive wooden building. The Main Hall is built in the nagare zukuri architectural style with one defining characteristic being its asymmetrical roof, which is longer in the front than the back to shelter the front steps. The Honden is constructed from Japanese cypress trees and has copper roofs, creating a humble presence that is in harmony with the natural environment. The Main Hall is home to numerous Shinto rituals and prayers and includes the Shinto prayer recital hall, inner shrine hall, and outer shrine hall. The Honden is a defining feature of the shrine and a must see given its traditional architecture and integration into the daily Shinto practices.

Main Hall

Inner Garden

One of the most serene areas of the shrine is the Inner Garden, which is located on the southern end of the grounds and has a 500 JPY admission fee. The garden, which is said to have been commissioned by Emperor Meiji for his wife, is a stunning scene that shines in all seasons with artfully crafted greenery, ponds, and even a traditional tea house. One of the most popular times to visit the Inner Garden is in June when the area’s abundance of purple irises are in full bloom. Another notable spot is Kiyomasa’s Well, which is named after the military commander who dug it. People frequent this area since the well is considered a “power spot” that gives off positive energy. [Tea House Photo: Sean Marshall / CC BY-NC 2.0]

Inner Garden

Treasure House

The Treasure House, located on the northernmost end of the shrine grounds, houses historical artifacts and personal belongings of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. [Photo: David Manuel / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0]

Treasure House

Traditional Shinto Rituals

For an immersive experience, guests can learn about the Shinto religion by partaking in traditional practices, such as making offerings and praying at the main hall, writing wishes on ema amulets, and purchasing fortunes or protective charms. When visitors enter the main shrine complex they can also visit the Temizusha, to wash your hands and cleanse mouths. The shrine is foreigner-friendly with English signage to aid first-time practitioners in their spiritual journeys.

Traditional Shinto Rituals

Festivals and Events

Meiji Jingu hosts numerous festivals and events year-round. The shrine starts the year with the New Year’s Day Ceremony or Saitan-sai and during the first few days of the year the shrine is flooded with over three million people praying for good fortune. Other notable festivals are the Spring Grand Festival or Sukeishatai-sai on May 2nd and 3rd; National Foundation Day Festival or Kigen-sai on February 11th; and Autumn Grand Festival on November 3rd, which celebrates Emperor Meiji’s birthday. During these festivals the shrine comes to life with traditional music, dance, and theater performances.   Apart from the grand festivals, Meiji Jingu also performs daily rituals, such as Nikku-sai, which is a daily food offering to the kami that occurs from 8:00 to 14:00. The shrine is also a popular place for traditional Shinto weddings, and if visitors are lucky, they may catch a glimpse of the procession. With the shrine’s busy schedule, visitors can witness Shinto events year-round.

Festivals and Events

Meiji Jingu Museum

Recently constructed in October of 2019, Meiji Jingu Museum is regarded for its elegant design by famous architect Kuma Kengo. The open floorplan surrounded by peaceful forest creates an elevated viewing experience. The museum contains items used or associated with the emperor and empress, such as writing utensils, a desk, and even an opulent carriage that the emperor rode. Admission to the museum costs 1,000 JPY.

General Amenities

  • Free parking
  • Paid parking

Accessibility

  • Barrier-free access

Access

Meiji Jingu’s location in Tokyo makes it easily accessible via public transportation and is minutes away from a number of train stations by foot. Please note that the travel times below are calculated using the shrine entrance as the endpoint. It will take about another 10 minutes for visitors to reach the main shrine grounds.

Closest access:

The shrine is a 1-minute walk from either Harajuku Station on JR Yamanote Line or Meiji-jingumae Station on Tokyo Metro Chiyoda and Fukutoshin Lines.

Other nearby stations:

Sangubashi Station on Odakyu Line: 3-minute walk

Yoyogi Station on JR Yamanote Line, JR Chūō Line, Sōbu Line, and Toei Oedo Line: 5-minute walk

Kita-Sando Station on Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line: 5-minute walk

Meiji Jingu Shrine