Meiji Shrine – Tokyo

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 Japans 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 Japans 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.

Where To Stay

Mustard Hotel Shibuya

Economy hotel located near Shibuya Station

Dormy Inn Premium Shibuya-jingumae

Stylish hotel located mere minutes away from Shibuya

Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel

5 Star Hotel with unforgettable views of Shibuya and excellent amenities
Booking.com

Nearby Attractions

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The JR Rail Pass makes getting around the country easy, and can save you several hundreds in travel expenses. All you need to do is just show your pass at the ticket gate, and you have access to any and all JR rail lines across the country, and not just the standard commuter trains, but luxury trains, and even the world famous Shikansen (Bullet Train). A JR Rail Pass is an essential item for any visitor to Japan. Buy your pass today by clicking here now!