Meiji Shrine
Hidden within a forest of more than 100,000 trees, Meiji Shrine offers one of Tokyo's most peaceful escapes despite sitting in the heart of the city.
Meiji Shrine (ๆๆฒป็ฅๅฎฎ, Meiji Jingลซ) is one of Tokyo's most important Shinto shrines and a peaceful sanctuary dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shลken. Surrounded by a forest of more than 100,000 trees, the shrine offers a remarkable escape from the city's busy streets despite being only a short walk from Harajuku and Shibuya.
Visitors enter through towering wooden torii gates before following broad forest paths to the main shrine complex, where traditional Japanese architecture, cultural rituals and seasonal beauty combine to create one of [[Tokyo]'s most rewarding attractions.
๐ฏ Why Visit?
- โฉ๏ธ Experience one of Japan's most significant Shinto shrines.
- ๐ณ Escape the city with a peaceful walk through a forest of over 100,000 trees.
- ๐ธ Photograph the magnificent wooden torii gates and traditional shrine buildings.
- ๐ Witness traditional Japanese weddings if you're lucky.
- ๐ถ See the colourful displays of donated sake and French wine barrels.
- ๐ Learn about Japanese customs, rituals and Shinto traditions.
๐ History
Meiji Shrine was completed in 1920 to honour Emperor Meiji and Empress Shลken, whose leadership during the Meiji Restoration helped transform Japan into a modern nation.
The surrounding forest was carefully created using more than 100,000 trees donated from across Japan, symbolising the country's respect for the Imperial couple. Although the original shrine buildings were destroyed during World War II, they were faithfully reconstructed in 1958 using traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
Today, Meiji Shrine welcomes millions of visitors each year and is one of Japan's most visited religious sites, particularly during the annual New Year Hatsumลde celebrations.
๐ Nearby Attractions
- ๐๏ธ Takeshita Dori
- ๐ Omotesandล
- ๐ณ Yoyogi Park
- โ Cat Street
- ๐ถ Shibuya Crossing
- ๐ Shibuya Sky
๐ก Tips
- ๐ The shrine is only a few minutes' walk from Harajuku and Yoyogi stations.
- ๐ Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the approach through the forest is longer than many visitors expect.
- ๐คซ Respect the peaceful atmosphere by keeping noise to a minimum.
- ๐ท Photography is permitted throughout most outdoor areas.
- โฉ๏ธ Bow respectfully when passing beneath a torii gate if you wish to observe Japanese customs.
- ๐ Visit early in the morning for a quieter experience and excellent natural light for photography.
๐ Location
Meiji Shrine is located between Harajuku and Yoyogi Park, just a short walk from Harajuku Station.
๐ 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo
๐บ๏ธ Open in Google Maps