SIGHTSEEING

Meiji Shrine: A Verdant Sanctuary in Tokyo’s Heart

2023.11.07

Known as the shrine with the highest number of visitors in Japan, Meiji Shrine is a spot where one can be healed simply by walking along its paths, surrounded by an abundance of greenery that seems out of place in the city center.

Embrace Nature While You Worship

Just outside the western exit of JR Harajuku Station, the Harajuku gate torii stands in front of you. From passing through the torii to reaching the main shrine buildings, a stroll along the approximately 10-minute-long path awaits. The Meiji Shrine forest spreads on either side, allowing you to feel the “power of the woods” as you walk. The central path is graveled, with stone paving on the sides, making it accessible and easy to navigate for those with strollers or mobility issues.

Highlights of Meiji Shrine

The main architectural features within the Meiji Shrine precinct include the main shrine building, the hall for ceremonial offerings, the inner and outer worship halls, and the sacred treasury. However, the attractions of Meiji Shrine don’t end there. Let us introduce you to some of the less known spots of Meiji Shrine.

Treasure House

The “Treasure House” is a museum located to the north within the Meiji Shrine grounds. It exhibits items such as desks and stationary that Emperor Meiji used daily, his favorite books, his carriage, and other furnishings. Additionally, this building was Japan’s first reinforced concrete structure and was designated as an important cultural property of the country in 2011.

Meiji Shrine Museum

The Meiji Shrine Museum preserves and exhibits items related to Emperor Meiji and Empress Dowager Shoken. Opened in October 2019 as part of the centennial celebration, the museum’s first floor, “The Forest Exhibition Room,” offers insights into the history and daily scenes of Meiji Shrine through exhibits and videos. The second floor is divided into a treasure exhibition room and a special exhibition room, where special exhibitions are held periodically to display normally unseen artifacts.

【Meiji Shrine Museum Basic Information】
Admission Fee: Adults 1,000 yen, High school students and below 900 yen, Children under elementary school age Free
Opening Hours: 10:00 – 16:30 (Last admission 30 minutes before closing)
Closed: Every Thursday (open if the Thursday is a national holiday)

Meiji Shrine Gyoen

The “Meiji Shrine Gyoen,” located south of Meiji Shrine, is a garden deeply connected to the imperial family, where one can enjoy a variety of plants throughout the four seasons. Within the garden is the “Iris Garden,” created by Emperor Meiji for his wife, Empress Dowager Shoken. The best time to visit is from May to June when the irises bloom in white and purple, painting the earth with their colors.

【Meiji Shrine Gyoen Basic Information】
Entry Fee: 500 yen (Garden Maintenance Contribution)
Business Hours:
March to October: 9:00 – 16:30
November to February: 9:00 – 16:00
June: 8:00 – 17:00 (until 18:00 on Saturdays and Sundays)

Kagura Hall

The “Kagura Hall” was constructed in the fifth year of Heisei for the “Great Ceremony of Heisei.” It is used only during prayer festivals, where Shinto rituals such as “Kagura dance” and “Bugaku” are performed to the rhythm of the grand drums. Anyone can apply for a prayer festival, with fees starting at 5,000 yen.

Basic Information of Meiji Shrine

Access: Directly from JR Yamanote Line “Harajuku Station” / From “Meiji-Jingumae Station” on the Fukutoshin Line

GoogleMap

Opening Hours: 5:00 – 6:40
Closing Hours: 16:00 – 18:30 *Varies according to sunrise and sunset times
Closed: Open year-round
Admission Fee: Free

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