Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu) is one of Japan’s most famous shrines, certainly the most famous shrine in Tokyo. It sprawls over an enormous, forested park in the middle of the city full of towering trees that gives one the impression they are in fact standing in a forest somewhere out in the mountains rather than in the middle of the world’s largest city. It sprawls over an enormous, forested park in the middle of the city full of towering trees that gives one the impression they are in fact standing in a forest somewhere out in the mountains rather than in the middle of the world’s largest city.

Emperor Meiji is probably Japan’s most famous emperor and is the one responsible for turning Japan from an isolated and somewhat backward nation to the industrial and technologically advanced powerhouse it is known to be today. His reforms of the Meiji period are still studied by Japanese students on a daily basis as part of their school curriculum.


Meiji Shrine, despite its appearances of being an old and established shrine, was in fact built in 1920 making it one of Japan’s most recent shrines. It commemorates the Emperor Meiji and his wife, the Meiji Empress who ruled Japan during its industrial revolution from 1868 to 1912.

 

Meiji Shrine Grounds
One interesting sight in the shrine grounds near the Harajuku entrance are the rows of alcohol barrels. Shinto shrines are consecrated with alcohol, usually sake, because the gods like a good drink as much as anyone. However Meiji Jingu is also consecrated with champagne and there are several dozen barrels of it from all over France on display. Nearby you also have the Meiji shrine gardens. The gardens were formerly the emperors private pleasure gardens and contain iris gardens, Azelea gardens and a small lake where the Emperor liked to go fishing in his time off.

Hours and Admission

Accessing Meiji shrine

Getting to Meiji Jingu from Shinjuku Station is quite easy. There are several different methods including buses, trains or walking.

Walking to Meiji Jingu from Shinjuku station takes about 20 minutes. If you leave the station from the main entrance next to the highway you can in fact follow the highway almost directly to the shrine, however for a faster commute, catch the Yamanote Line towards Shibuya and get off at Harajuku Station (about 4 minutes). 

Meiji Jingu is directly opposite to Harajuku station.

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Where to Stay

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remm Roppongi

Experience modern comfort at Remm Roppongi, offering sleek, modern rooms in a convenient location for exploring Tokyo's lively Roppongi district.
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The Tokyo Station Hotel

Elegant and spacious rooms with beautiful architecture. Access Tokyo Station directly from the hotel, providing the easiest solution for getting around the city.
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Shibuya Tobu Hotel

Stay at Shibuya Tobu Hotel for comfort, convenience, and modern amenities in Tokyo’s vibrant Shibuya district. Perfectly located.
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