Meiji Jingu Shrine, Tokyo’s sacred oasis of forest and sky. Discover its giant torii, shrine architecture, Kiyomasa’s Well, seasonal events, and unique spiritual energy.
- Meiji Jingu Shrine ― A Sacred Forest in the Heart of Tokyo
- Walking the Approach ― Giant Torii and Symbolic Barrels
- Main Shrine ― Traditional Architecture and Married Couple Trees
- Kiyomasa’s Well ― Meiji Jingu’s Famous Power Spot
- Protected by Forest and Sky ― A Unique Sanctuary in Tokyo
- Seasonal Highlights at Meiji Jingu Shrine
- Summary | Why Meiji Jingu Is a Must-Visit in Tokyo
Meiji Jingu Shrine ― A Sacred Forest in the Heart of Tokyo
Just steps away from Shibuya and Harajuku—two of Tokyo’s busiest districts—stands Meiji Jingu Shrine. Built in 1920 to enshrine Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, it is now one of the most visited shrines in Japan. Every New Year, more than three million people come here for hatsumode (the first shrine visit of the year), making it the country’s most popular New Year’s destination.
Yet Meiji Jingu is far more than a sightseeing spot. Around 100,000 trees were donated from across Japan and planted here. Over the past century, they have grown into a lush forest that feels like a natural woodland. This sacred greenery creates a serene atmosphere that makes you forget you are in the heart of a megacity—offering both spiritual energy and a calming oasis.
To explore Meiji Jingu Shrine more deeply, you can join a guided cultural walking tour that shares the shrine’s history and traditions.
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Walking the Approach ― Giant Torii and Symbolic Barrels
The southern approach is marked by a giant wooden torii gate, over 12 meters tall and 17 meters wide—one of the largest of its kind in Japan. Remarkably, it was crafted from 1,500-year-old cypress trees from Taiwan’s Alishan forest. Its powerful grain and natural color harmonize with the surrounding woods, leaving visitors in awe.
When passing through the torii, it is customary to bow slightly and walk along the sides, as the center is considered the path of the deities. Knowing this etiquette makes your shrine visit even more meaningful.
Further along the path, you will see rows of colorful sake barrels and rare wine barrels from France. These offerings symbolize Japan’s modernization during the Meiji era, when Western culture was actively embraced—making them a unique feature rarely seen at other shrines.
Main Shrine ― Traditional Architecture and Married Couple Trees
The current main hall was reconstructed in 1958 after the original was destroyed during wartime. Built in the Sangen-sha Nagare-zukuri style, its sweeping rooflines and refined proportions embody the elegance of traditional shrine architecture, while maintaining a stately presence in the heart of Tokyo.
In front of the main hall stand the famous Meoto Kusunoki (Married Couple Trees), revered as symbols of love and marital harmony.
Elsewhere on the grounds, the Treasure Museum (Important Cultural Property) was built in the Shinmei-zukuri style modeled after Ise Jingu, and houses imperial belongings connected to Emperor Meiji. The modern Meiji Jingu Museum, designed by architect Kengo Kuma, beautifully blends traditional elements with contemporary design.
Kiyomasa’s Well ― Meiji Jingu’s Famous Power Spot
Within the Inner Garden lies Kiyomasa’s Well, said to have been dug by the samurai lord Kato Kiyomasa. Its spring water remains clear and constant in temperature throughout the year, once serving as an important water source for the Imperial Garden.
Today, it is known as one of Tokyo’s most powerful spiritual spots, attracting countless visitors. Many believe that photographing the well brings good fortune, and it has become a popular feature on social media.
Protected by Forest and Sky ― A Unique Sanctuary in Tokyo
One of the shrine’s most intriguing aspects is its relationship with the skies above Tokyo. Air traffic routes into Haneda Airport pass over central Tokyo in the afternoon, yet planes do not fly directly above the main hall of Meiji Jingu. While partly due to air safety, it is also said to reflect respect for the sacred grounds. This adds to the impression of a sanctuary protected not only by forest but also by the sky.
At sunset, sunlight filters through the trees while planes glide across the sky. Below, brides in white kimono celebrate traditional Shinto weddings, while above, international flights connect Tokyo with the world. It is a perfect symbol of tradition and modernity coexisting in the capital.
Seasonal Highlights at Meiji Jingu Shrine
- January (Hatsumode): Japan’s largest New Year’s shrine event
- June (Iris Garden): The Inner Garden blooms with purple irises
- November (Shichi-Go-San): Families celebrate children dressed in colorful kimono
- Late November (Autumn Leaves): Ginkgo trees along the approach glow golden yellow leaves: Ginkgo trees along the approach to the temple turn golden.
Summary | Why Meiji Jingu Is a Must-Visit in Tokyo
Meiji Jingu Shrine offers a truly rare experience: a sacred forest, timeless architecture, spiritual power spots, and even protection from the sky—right in the heart of one of the world’s busiest cities. Its towering torii, serene groves, Kiyomasa’s Well, and seasonal festivals make it unlike any other shrine in Japan.
As you visit, stroll quietly along the approach, bow before the torii, and listen to the stillness of the forest. Don’t forget to look up—here, nature, faith, and the global city of Tokyo beautifully intersect.
If you’d like to continue your cultural journey after Meiji Jingu Shrine, step into the nearby Ōta Memorial Museum of Art to admire ukiyo-e woodblock prints, or explore unique hidden free spots in Shibuya. For those seeking even more artistic inspiration, our Tokyo Art Museum Guide Part 2 is the perfect next step.
| Item | Contents |
|---|---|
| Name | Meiji Jingu Shrine |
| Location | 1-1 Yoyogi-Kamizonocho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-8557, Japan |
| Access | ・1 min walk from JR Yamanote Line “Harajuku Station” ・1 min walk from Tokyo Metro Chiyoda & Fukutoshin Line “Meiji-jingumae (Harajuku) Station” ・3 min walk from Odakyu Line “Sangubashi Station” ・5 min walk from JR Sobu Line “Yoyogi Station” |
| Business Hours | Shrine grounds: Sunrise to sunset (varies by season) Meiji Jingu Museum & Garden: separate hours |
| Regular closing day | Open daily (no holidays) |
| Admission fee | Shrine grounds: Free Meiji Jingu Garden: 500 yen Meiji Jingu Museum: Adults 1,000 yen / High school students and younger: 900 yen / Children under elementary school age: Free |
| Approximate time required | About 60–90 min (approx. 2 hours including Garden & Museum) |
| Official Site | https://www.meijijingu.or.jp |
| Phone number | 03+81-3-3379-5511 |
| Notes | Japan’s most visited shrine during New Year’s (over 3 million visitors annually) / Wedding ceremonies are also held here |
