Meiji Shrine Tokyo: History, Architecture, Timings & Visitor Guide

Meiji Shrine was completed in 1920 to honour Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Emperor Meiji played a very important role in Japan’s transformation during the Meiji Restoration (1868), when the country shifted from feudal isolation to rapid modernisation and global engagement.

Although the original shrine structures were destroyed during World War II, they were carefully rebuilt in 1958 using traditional Shinto architectural methods. Meiji Shrine remains a popular religious destination, drawing millions of visitors each year to make New Year's prayers (Hatsumode). The shrine's architecture is in the nagare-zukuri style, which is common among Shinto shrines. These are modest wooden buildings with copper roofs that are meant to blend in with nature rather than overpower it.

Did you know? The forest surrounding Meiji Shrine was entirely man-made, planted by volunteers from across Japan.

• Address: 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-8557, Japan

Located between Harajuku and Yoyogi Park, the shrine is easily accessible and pairs well with other major Tokyo attractions.

It combines well with:

• Shibuya Crossing
• Yoyogi Park
• Takeshita Street

Because of its central location, it is often included in curated Japan tour packages, especially for first-time visitors.

1. The Grand Torii Gates

The entry to the sacred place is symbolically marked by the huge wooden torii gates. They are among the biggest in Japan and are made from 1,500-year-old cypress wood. Leaving the secular world behind is symbolised by walking beneath them.

2. The Main Shrine Complex (Honden)

Prayers are offered by guests in the main hall. Here, especially on weekends, you observe traditional Shinto wedding ceremonies. Before entering the hall, guests undergo ceremonial cleaning at the temizuya (water pavilion), creating a calm mood.

3. Sake & Wine Barrel Displays

The ornamental wall of sake and French wine barrels, which were donated by brewers throughout Japan to celebrate Emperor Meiji's admiration for Western culture, is one distinctive feature. These exhibits illustrate how tradition and modernity may coexist.

4. Meiji Jingu Inner Garden

The Inner Garden requires a small additional fee and features a tranquil pond and seasonal irises that bloom beautifully in June. It is less crowded than the main courtyard and offers a more intimate experience.

• Multiple entry points (Harajuku Station is the most popular)
• Gravel walking path through forested grounds
• Approx. 45–60 minutes for a relaxed visit
• Free main shrine access
• Inner Garden ticketed separately

The walk here is itself a part of the experience; the forest absorbs city noise, creating surprising silence in central Tokyo.

Meiji Shrine Ticket

• Main shrine grounds: Free entry
• Inner Garden: ¥500 (₹295 approx.)

Opening Hours

• Sunrise to sunset (timings vary by season)
• Inner Garden typically opens from 9:00 AM

Note: INR conversion approximate; subject to exchange rate fluctuations.

Tokyo's weather changes distinctly across seasons, and each brings a different atmosphere to the shrine.

Best Time of Day

• Early morning (before 9:00 AM): Most peaceful
• Late afternoon: Softer light, fewer tour groups

Best Season

• Spring (March–April): Pleasant weather, cherry blossoms nearby
• Autumn (November): Crisp air and subtle foliage
• Winter (January–February): Fewer crowds except the New Year

Avoid visiting during Hatsumode (first week of January) unless you want to experience large-scale cultural celebrations.

Read: Best time to visit Tokyo.

The temple sees a regular inflow of visitors on weekends and public holidays. Due to tour groups and Harajuku tourists, mid-day (11:00 AM–3:00 PM) is usually the busiest time of day. It rarely feels overwhelming, though, because the shrine grounds are large.

Photography is allowed outdoors, but avoid using drones or disturbing ceremonies.

By Train (Recommended)

• Harajuku Station (JR Yamanote Line): 1-minute walk
• Meiji-Jingumae Station (Tokyo Metro): 5-minute walk

Travel time from Shinjuku or Shibuya: 10–15 minutes.

By Taxi

The temple is accessible within 15–25 minutes from most central districts, depending on traffic. Unlike more remote shrines, Meiji Shrine is one of the easiest sacred sites to access in Tokyo.

Also read:  Japanese Shinkansen Guide

Since Meiji Shrine is located between Harajuku and Shibuya, you’ll find everything from iconic ramen counters to trendy cafés within walking distance. Here are some reliable options you can recommend in your Tokyo travel content:

Ramen & Japanese Comfort Food

• Ichiran Shibuya – Famous for its solo dining booths and rich tonkotsu ramen.
• Afuri Harajuku – Known for its light yuzu-infused ramen (great if you prefer less oily broth).
• Udon Shin – Handmade udon noodles; expect queues during peak hours.

Sushi & Traditional Japanese

• Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka – Fun conveyor-belt sushi experience, budget-friendly.
• Sushi no Midori Shibuya – High-quality sushi at reasonable prices.

Trendy Harajuku Cafés

• Reissue – Famous for 3D latte art.
• The Roastery by Nozy Coffee – Speciality coffee in a stylish setting.
• Bills Omotesando – Popular for brunch and fluffy pancakes.

Vegetarian & International Options

• Ain Soph. Journey Shinjuku – Fully vegan menu, great for plant-based travellers.
• T's Tantan Ueno – Vegan ramen option (worth the short train ride).
• Gonpachi Shibuya – Izakaya-style dining with vegetarian-friendly dishes.

Luxury Hotels

• Park Hyatt Tokyo 
• The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo
• Aman Tokyo 

Best for: Honeymooners, luxury travellers, special occasions.

Mid-Range Hotels

• Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu
• Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
• Citadines Central Shinjuku Tokyo

Best for: Couples, families, first-time visitors.

Budget Hotels

• UNPLAN Shinjuku
• Sakura Hotel Hatagaya
• Hotel Mystays Asakusa

Best for: Solo travellers and budget trips.

Note: Meiji Shrine itself has no on-site accommodation.

Check out: Japan in August.

• Bow slightly before entering the torii gate.
• Walk on the sides of the path (the centre is symbolically reserved for deities).
• Cleanse hands at the purification fountain.
• Maintain silence during ceremonies.
• Carry small cash if purchasing charms (omamori).

Meiji Shrine is not about massive pagodas or extravagant decorations. The simplicity of it is its power. A spiritual stop in the fast-paced beat of Tokyo is created by the tall torii gates, the crunch of gravel beneath your boots, and the peaceful forest canopy. Here, ancient Shinto beliefs and Japan's modern identity coexist.

For first-time visitors to Japan, Meiji Shrine offers insight into the country’s spiritual traditions without leaving the capital. More than a sightseeing stop, it is a cultural immersion, making it a meaningful addition to any thoughtfully planned Japan itinerary.