Description
Meiji Shrine is a shrine dedicated to the deceased Emperor Meiji and his empress. This is due to the unique Japanese idea that the dead become gods.
Therefore, although it does not have a deep history, it is the largest shrines in Tokyo, and has the largest number of visitors for New Year’s visits in Japan.
The forest that spreads on the premises is originally artificially planted trees that have grown into a forest over many years. Today it serves as a home for rare plants, animals and insects.
Features
- It is a shrine that boasts the highest number of New Year’s visitors in Japan every year.
- Surrounded by vast nature, this shrine not only has a large site, but also has a very large torii gate.
- It also offer personal prayers. (for a fee)
Staying time
No matter which entrance you enter, the approach (the road to the main shrine) is long, so we recommend allowing at least an hour to visit, including praying.
Business Hours
Sunrise to Sunset (Changing every month)
Closed Days
None
English Support
Important information is written in English, but you may have trouble finding it at the shops and other places. Please refer to the photo.
Barrier-Free
There are a few thresholds, but other than that we think it’s wheelchair friendly. However, no matter which entrance you visit, it is quite a distance to reach the main shrine.
Fees
Free (admission)
Access
There are three entrances: south, north, and northwest. On the south entrance, the west exit of Harajuku Station (JR Yamanote Line) is the closest. On the north entrance, the exit 3 of Kitasando Station (Metro Fukutoshin Line) is the closest. And on the northwest entrance, the east exit of Sangubashi Station (Odakyu Line) is the closest.
Official Links
https://www.meijijingu.or.jp/en/
Nearby spots
Yoyogi Park (Yoyogi Koen)
It is one of the largest parks in Tokyo, and includes a cycling course, dog run course, and event plaza.
Yoyogi Pony Park (Yoyogi Pony Koen)
It is a small park attached to Meiji Shrine where you can interact with cute ponies.
Takeshita Street (Takeshita-dori)
There is a shopping street that stretches from the Takeshita exit of Harajuku Station to Meiji Dori, and is packed with fashion-related stores.
Reviews
Large shrine
This shrine is surprisingly large, not only in terms of its site, but also in its torii gate and sacred tree. The forests spread out on both sides of the approach, making you forget that you are in a city.
On the other hand, the north side is maintained like a natural park and offers magnificent scenery.