Visiting Meiji Shrine in Tokyo
A Shinto shrine surrounded by nature
Meiji Shrine, located in the energetic neighborhood of Shibuya, is one of the most significant Shinto shrines in Tokyo. Built in 1920 to honor Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, it is wrapped in a dense and peaceful forest made up of over 100,000 trees donated by people across Japan. Stepping through the massive wooden torii gate pulls you straight into an atmosphere of deep calm, far away from the city noise.
A place of tradition and spirituality
The shrine gives visitors a chance to observe traditional Shinto rituals firsthand. Purification stations sit right at the entrance, where you wash your hands and mouth before heading further inside. At the main hall, you can offer your prayers and occasionally catch a traditional Shinto wedding, which makes for a fascinating look into Japanese culture.
Exploring the gardens and the Meiji Jingu Museum
The grounds feature stunning gardens, including one famous for its iris garden that peaks in beauty every June. Nearby, the Meiji Jingu Museum exhibits personal belongings of the emperor and empress, offering real insight into their lives and their role in modernizing Japan.
A peaceful escape for locals
Meiji Shrine is much more than just a tourist stop, embodying a rare balance of nature, spirituality, and history. Whether you are deep into Japanese history or simply need a moment of quiet, walking these grounds offers an authentic experience and a welcome break right in the middle of the capital.
Opening hours
Approximately 5:00 AM to 6:30 PM during the summer, and 6:40 AM to 4:00 PM in the winter.
With its vast complex, this shrine offers a beautiful walk. You will see huge sake barrels donated to the shrine there. You can even find barrels of wine from French vineyards. I was lucky enough to run into a wedding party in traditional outfits when I went. Maybe the same will happen for you!