HELLO! TOKYO TOURS TOP PICK | MEIJI JINGU SHRINE

Dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife Empress Shoken who ruled Japan from 1868 to 1912 and responsible for “modernizing and westernizing” Japan, Meiji Shrine is one of the most famous shrines in Tokyo. It should definitely be on your list of things to do in Tokyo list. The shrine was built in 1920, 8 years after the Emperors death and stood until it was destroyed in the Second World War, but was rebuilt shortly after.

Meiji Shrine is adjacent to Yoyogi Park which help make up its massive forest that enshrouds the shrines main complex. Entrance into the shrine is marked by a massive torii gate. Once entering the gate, you can walk along the forested path that’ll lead you to the main shrines complex. The shrine is surrounded by over 100,000 trees which were donated from all around Japan. Along the way, you can see barrels of sake - a common sight at shrines as a symbol of connection between humans and spirits. Parallel to the sake are barrels of wine because Emperor Meiji - an advocate for embracing Western culture - enjoyed drinking wine especially after being diagnosed with diabetes which discontinued his sake intake. Join us on our Tokyo tour.

Read about our guide to proper etiquette’s at shrines here.

Entrance fee: Free

Photo credit: Savvy Tokyo

Address: 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-8557

Hours: 5am - 6pm

Website: https://www.meijijingu.or.jp/en/

How to get there: A 1 minute walk from Harajuku Station on the JR Line or the Meiji-jingumae Station on the Chiyoda Line.