Meiji Shrine

東京都

4.6

Tourist Information of This Area

general.prefecture.

In the heart of the city, there is a shrine rich in nature.

A shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. It is known as a popular wedding venue and power spot, and is also famous as an "oasis in the city" due to its location surrounded by greenery. Many people visit to enjoy nature and escape the crowds of the city center.

Features & How to Enjoy

Classic History

Highlights

Point 1

Meiji Shrine, a Famous Power Spot

Meiji Shrine is a shrine with various benefits such as good luck, business prosperity, and success in exams, but it is said to be particularly strong in matters of love. The enshrined deities of Meiji Shrine are Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, who were a very close couple. Therefore, it is said that Meiji Shrine has strong benefits for love. Near the main hall, there is a pair of camphor trees called "Couple's Trees," which warmly watch over visitors.

Point 2

New Year's Visit to Meiji Shrine, boasting the largest number of worshippers in Japan

Approximately 3 million people visit Meiji Shrine for their New Year's visit, boasting the largest number of worshippers in Japan. Therefore, during the New Year's visit period, instead of the usual offertory box, a giant offertory box appears. Even so, the waiting time is long, and some impatient worshippers may throw their offerings from behind. At Meiji Shrine's New Year's visit, you can not only worship but also enjoy food stalls. Every year, many food stalls line up at the "Fureai Square" inside the shrine, where you can taste the first food stall gourmet of the new year.

Point 3

A Shrine Overflowing with Nature in the Heart of the City

Meiji Shrine, located in the midst of the urban areas of Harajuku and Omotesando, is a quiet space away from the hustle and bustle of the city, despite being in the heart of it all. It is so rich in nature that it is called the "oasis of the city". The forest in Meiji Shrine was actually created artificially with the intention of becoming a natural forest after 100 years. The project began about 100 years ago and has led to the current appearance of the forest in Meiji Shrine. With various efforts made and a wide variety of plants growing, Meiji Shrine has become a "great nature of Tokyo" where wild animals also live.

Point 4

Meiji Shrine's Sake Barrels, boasting one of the largest numbers of dedications in the country

As you walk down the Minami-sando approach, you'll see shelves lined with many sake barrels. The number of barrels is an impressive 216, boasting one of the largest numbers of dedications in Japan. There are various types of barrels, such as those with powerful brush writing and those that are colorful and stylish, making it possible to spend an hour or even two just looking at them. On the opposite side of the sake barrel shelves, there are also wine barrel shelves. It may seem strange to have wine at a shrine, but this is because the wine was dedicated due to the influence of Emperor Meiji, who was fond of it.

Point 5

Learn about the History of Meiji Jingu at the Meiji Jingu Museum

The Meiji Jingu Museum, which opened in the first year of Reiwa, allows visitors to view valuable items related to the history of Meiji Jingu, as well as items related to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Exhibits include the six-horse-drawn carriage that Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken rode in, as well as the Emperor's personal desk. The museum plays a role in passing on the history of the deities enshrined at Meiji Jingu to future generations.

Access

Representative Shrine of Japan near the Station

Meiji Shrine is a shrine with excellent access, as it has four nearby stations: Meiji-jingumae Station, Sangubashi Station, Harajuku Station, and Kitasando Station. The main shrine is located in the center of the grounds and is about a 10-minute walk from each station. However, it's not possible to enter the shrine from the Sangubashi or Harajuku entrances. You can only enter from the Yoyogi or Kitasando entrances, which are the closest to Yoyogi Station and Kitasando Station, respectively. The grounds are lush with greenery, and you'll feel refreshed as you make your way towards the main shrine.

Basic Information