Meiji Jingu

What to see

• The “eternal forest”: an artificial forest of about 100,000 donated trees, built with the unpaid labour of some 110,000 young people.
• Main hall: near the centre of the grounds; prayers and rituals are held every day at the neighbouring kagura hall.
• Meiji Jingu Gyoen: a garden south of the main hall, laid out by Emperor Meiji for Empress Shoken to stroll in.
• Kiyomasa's Well: a spring in the garden, about 15°C all year, flowing at around 60 litres a minute.
• Iris garden: about 150 varieties and 1,500 plants, designed to be seen while walking the small paths.

Seasons

• Irises bloom in the garden in June, when it opens from 8:00.
• At New Year the approach paths fill with worshippers (shrine's guide).

History

Emperor Meiji died in 1912 and Empress Shoken in 1914. Out of the public's wish to honour them, the shrine was founded in 1920 at Yoyogi, a place linked to them. The forest of about 700,000 square metres was made by hand from about 100,000 trees donated from all over Japan.

Getting there

The south entrance (Harajuku gate) is by Harajuku Station (JR Yamanote Line) and Meiji-jingumae <Harajuku> Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda and Fukutoshin lines). The north entrance (Yoyogi gate) is by Yoyogi Station (JR Yamanote, Toei Oedo) and Kita-sando Station (Fukutoshin), and the west entrance (Sangubashi gate) by Sangubashi Station (Odakyu Line). From any entrance it is about ten minutes on foot to the main hall.

Address：1-1 Yoyogi-Kamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo

Directions in Google Maps →Official website →

Harajuku, Meiji Jingu and Yoyogi Park

Tap a red pin to open that sight's page.

Nearby sights

• Yoyogi Park3 min walk from Harajuku Station
• Shibuya Scramble CrossingIn front of Shibuya Station (no official walking time)
• Hachiko StatueRight outside the Hachiko Exit of Shibuya Station
• SHIBUYA SKYDirectly connected to Shibuya Station (Shibuya Scramble Square)