10 Interesting Things To See and Do at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo

Meiji Shrine (also known as Meiji Jingu) is a famous Japanese shrine in Tokyo dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. It is located in a forest next to the beautiful Yoyogi Park, in Harajuku. Emperor Meiji was the emperor of Japan between 1867 and 1912, and is known for his role in the rapid modernisation of Japan. It was an interesting experience visiting this shrine and I have created a list of 10 things to see and do here.

1. Torii Gate

The Torii is the massive traditional Japanese gate at the entrance of Meiji Shrine. It is a popular photo spot and we took some pictures here.

After that, the wife and I walked along a wide stone pavement towards the shrine complex. It was a tranquil path surrounded by lush greenery, with morning sun rays piercing through the canopy.

If you wish to follow Japanese customs, you can bow at the gate once when entering and another time when leaving.

2. Sake Barrels

Shortly before reaching the main shrine complex, we saw towering rows of beautifully painted Sake Barrels.

These barrels are displayed here to honour the Japanese Gods, due to the belief that there is a divine connection between sake and the Gods.

And in case you are wondering, the barrels are not actually filled with sake.

3. Temizuya

The Temizuya is a place near the main shrine’s entrance to rinse your hands and mouth with refreshing water. This is because you need to “purify” your body before entering the shrine.

This is how to do it properly with the dipper provided:
– Rinse your left hand
– Rinse your right hand
– Pour water into your left hand and use it to rinse your mouth
– Rinse your left hand again
– Rinse the dipper

I saw many locals rinsing their hands and mouths here, though I am not sure if they followed the strict order above.

I didn’t feel comfortable rinsing my mouth so I only used the dipper to rinse my hands a little.

4. Main Shrine

After reaching the main shrine complex, we wandered around the peaceful compound for a while. Because we went on a Sunday afternoon, it was quite crowded, though not as crazily crowded as nearby Takeshita Street.

We went to offer our prayers at the main temple building, which has a ritualistic procedure too:
– Put some coins into the offertory box if you wish
– Bow twice
– Clap your hands twice
– Bow once again

Photos are not allowed, and there was a guard strictly enforcing this rule. However, I managed to take a few contraband photos.

I also saw many adorable young children dressed in traditional kimonos. Later I learned that it is a Japanese custom to celebrate the 7th, 5th, and 3rd birthday of a child at the shrine.

5. Votive Tablets and Charms

A Votive Tablet (also known as an “Ema”) is a small prayer board which you can write your prayers on and hang on a divine tree in the shrine. Each tablet costs JPY500.

A priest will then offer the prayers on your behalf during the daily morning ceremony called Mikesai.

I also saw small charms on sale in the shrine, which make for unique souvenirs.

6. Shinto Wedding

We were lucky enough to see a Shinto wedding taking place at the shrine! It was surreal to witness this traditional procession which was solemn, serene and beautiful at the same time.

Incidentally, Shinto weddings are on the decline in Japan, with more couples preferring to have Western-style church ceremonies.

7. Forest Terrace

Forest Terrace is a beautiful complex with toilets, souvenir shops, toilets, a cafe that sells delicious comfort food, and a Japanese restaurant. This is a good place to rest and chill out for a while.

8. Inner Garden

The Inner Garden is a large manicured garden home to beautiful iris flowerbeds, scenic walking paths, and a traditional Japanese tea house. There is an entrance fee of JPY500.

“Kiyomasa’s Well” is a small well located within the garden, named after the military commander who dug it about 400 years ago. It is purportedly a “power spot” that people visit to receive positive energy.

The best time to visit the Inner Garden is during June when the irises are in full bloom.

Inner Garden
Opening Hours: Daily 9am to 4.30pm (until 4pm between November and February), Last entry 30 minutes before closing time.
Entrance Fee: JPY500

9. Meiji Jingu Museum

Meiji Jingu Museum is a new beautiful museum that opened recently in October 2019. It showcases valuable items from the shrine’s collection, such as the carriage which Emperor Meiji rode to Meiji Constitution declaration in 1889, and personal belongings of the emperor and his wife.

Meiji Jingu Museum
Opening Hours: 10am to 4.30pm (last entry at 4pm), CLOSED on Thursdays (or following day if Thursday is a PH)
Entrance Fee: JPY1,000

10. Festivals and Events

Tokyo Chrysanthemum Festival

Given its cultural significance and central location, Meiji Shrine hosts many festivals, events, and even food fairs throughout the year.

On New Year’s Day, millions of visitors will congregate upon the shrine to celebrate Nikkusai and pray for a year of good fortune.

The Spring Grand Festival is held in May, featuring wonderful performances of ceremonial dances and music.

When we visited the shrine in late November, there was a “Tokyo Chrysanthemum Flowers Festival” going on. There were also many cute models of Japanese landscapes and structures on display.

Click here to see the full schedule of festivals and events at Meiji Shrine.

Conclusion

The wife and I had a pleasant morning exploring the Meiji Shrine grounds in Tokyo. This tranquil place was definitely a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. We visited on a Sunday morning and the shrine was relatively crowded but still bearable. It is probably even more peaceful on weekdays.

Meiji Shrine
Address: 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-8557, Japan
Directions: The shrine gate is a 2-minute walk from Harajuku Station. From the gate, it is a short 10-minute walk.
Opening Hours: Sunrise to Sunset, click here for the exact times.

This article is part of our super awesome Ultimate Tokyo Travel Guide For First Timers. Everything you need to know about Tokyo is just a click away!