Meiji Jingū
明治神宮 · Shibuya, Tokyo
A 700,000-m² 'urban forest' in the middle of the city, a tranquil sanctuary of Shinto culture
Know before you go
- Don't walk down the centre of the approach or make noise
- don't eat while walking
- during weddings and Shichi-Go-San ceremonies, don't step into shots or crowd around.
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
History
A forest planted by people from all over Japan
Meiji Jingū is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken; the site was chosen near the iris garden the couple often visited to view flowers, and the deities were enshrined on 3 November 1920. The 70-hectare forest around the shrine was planted with about 120,000 trees of 365 species donated from all over Japan; much of the material and labour for its construction was also donated.
Source: Wikipedia: Meiji Shrine
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Built in 1920 to honour Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken, its 100,000 trees donated from across Japan have grown into today's towering forest. Pass through one of Japan's largest wooden torii and the hubbub of Shibuya is instantly replaced by cicada song; 3 million people at hatsumōde — the most of any shrine in Japan — testify to Shinto's vitality in modern Japan. Brides in white shiromuku at weddings are its most beautiful sight.
Local customs
- Bow once before passing under a torii
- walk at the sides of the approach (the centre is the path of the gods)
- rinse your hands and mouth at the purification fountain
- pray with 'two bows, two claps, one bow'
- tie bad-luck omikuji to the racks
- get goshuin at the shrine office.
Religion & beliefs
- A Shinto sacred site dedicated to Emperor and Empress Meiji. Praying is a conversation with the gods — come with respect
- don't touch sacred objects or enter the main sanctuary.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Don’t DON'T
- Don't walk down the centre of the approach or make noise
- don't eat while walking
- during weddings and Shichi-Go-San ceremonies, don't step into shots or crowd around.
Locals appreciate DO
- Japanese people appreciate quiet, courteous worshippers
- forest bathing in the shrine's inner garden followed by a stroll down Harajuku's Omotesandō is Tokyoites' classic weekend combination.
Plan your visit
Practical info
| Best time | Good all year, but extremely crowded during the first three days of the New Year (go off-peak) |
|---|
Travel tips
- Good all year, but extremely crowded during the first three days of the New Year (go off-peak). Free
- early morning has the fewest people
- autumn leaves and the irises of the Inner Garden in June are most beautiful
- combine with Yoyogi Park and Harajuku.
Eat nearby
What to eat nearby
Must-try
- Harajuku crêpes
- Ramen
- Oyakodon
Harajuku crêpes, ramen, oyakodon, matcha desserts, yatai snacks in the gingko season at Jingū Gaien (seasonal)
| Where to eat | Cafés and restaurants on Takeshita-dōri / Omotesandō in Harajuku, simple meals at the shrine's rest area |
|---|---|
| Dining etiquette | No eating or drinking in the shrine's forest (except at rest areas); pray with two bows, two claps, one bow |
| Typical price per person | JPY 1,500–2,800 ≈ CNY 68–126 |
| Tips | On the same route as Harajuku — visit the shrine first, then lunch in Harajuku to avoid the 11 a.m. crowds. |
Prices are typical rates as of October 2026, not exact quotes; CNY equivalents are approximate where exchange rates fluctuate.
David Monniaux · CC BY-SA 3.0
Photos
Photos
Tokuzo in Edomura · CC BY-SA 4.0
Syced · CC0
Hyppolyte de Saint-Rambert · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sources & verification notes
Compiled from Meiji Jingū official visitor guide
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