Meiji Shrine: Tokyo’s Sacred Forest Sanctuary

Among Tokyo’s many religious sites, Meiji Shrine (明治神宮, Meiji Jingū) stands as perhaps the most revered—a 170-acre forested sanctuary nestled in the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic metropolises. What makes this shrine uniquely significant is its dedication to Emperor Meiji (1852-1912), who became the symbolic figurehead of Japan’s modernization approximately 150 years ago when the Meiji Restoration ended the feudal shogunate system and established the nation’s first modern civilian government. This historical context explains why Meiji Shrine consistently attracts the highest number of visitors during Japan’s New Year pilgrimage season, when millions seek blessings for the coming year.

A Meticulously Crafted Forest

While appearing as a natural woodland, the expansive forest surrounding Meiji Shrine represents an extraordinary feat of human devotion. Created in 1920, this manufactured landscape comprises approximately 100,000 trees donated from every corner of Japan and planted with scientific precision. Covering an area equivalent to roughly 15 Tokyo Domes, this carefully designed “eternal forest” has evolved into a self-sustaining ecosystem that provides a profound spiritual buffer between the sacred precinct and the surrounding urban energy.

Walking through the towering torii gates that mark the shrine’s entrances, visitors experience a deliberate transition from the mundane to the sacred—a journey from Tokyo’s pulsating present into a timeless space where Japan’s spiritual heritage thrives in living practice rather than mere preservation.

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

Sunrise to sunset (hours vary seasonally)

Access Routes

Meiji Shrine offers three distinct approaches to the main sanctuary via southern, northern, and western paths:

South Entrance (Recommended): 2-minute walk from JR Harajuku Station or Tokyo Metro Meiji-Jingumae Station
North Entrance: 6-minute walk from JR/Toei Subway Yoyogi Station or Tokyo Metro Kita-Sando Station
West Entrance: 3-minute walk from Odakyu Sangubashi Station

For first-time visitors, the South Entrance (Harajuku Gate) offers the most rewarding approach due to its exceptional accessibility and the numerous points of interest along the path to the main sanctuary.

From the southern entrance (Harajuku Gate), the journey to the main sanctuary takes approximately 10-15 minutes on foot. The route guides visitors through the First Torii Gate, past magnificent sake barrel displays (donated as offerings), through the Second Torii Gate, then right at the junction before proceeding straight to the main sanctuary.

Along this approach, visitors witness the gradual intensification of the forest’s embrace—the city sounds fade, temperatures noticeably cool, and a palpable sense of tranquility descends. This transitional experience epitomizes the Shinto concept of moving from the profane to the sacred through progressive purification.

This video, captured by international visitors walking from Takeshita Street through Harajuku Station to Meiji Shrine, provides an excellent visual guide to the southern approach:

Proper Worship Etiquette

Spiritual purification forms an essential aspect of Shinto worship. Before approaching the main hall, visitors should cleanse themselves at the temizuya (purification fountain) following these steps:

1. Hold the ladle with your right hand and rinse your left hand
2. Transfer the ladle to your left hand and rinse your right hand
3. Return the ladle to your right hand, pour some water into your left palm, and rinse your mouth (do not drink directly from the ladle)
4. Rinse your left hand once more
5. Tilt the ladle vertically to rinse the handle with remaining water
6. Return the ladle to its original position

At the main sanctuary, the traditional worship sequence follows the “ni-rei, ni-hakushu, ichi-rei” pattern:

1. Offer a monetary contribution (5-yen coins are popular for their homophonic connection to “good fortune”)
2. Bow deeply twice
3. Clap your hands twice
4. Offer your prayers or wishes
5. Bow deeply once more

Understanding these cultural practices enhances the experience and demonstrates respect for this active place of worship.

Three Powerful Sacred Spots

Beyond its historical significance, Meiji Shrine ranks among Tokyo’s most potent “power spots”—locations believed to generate special spiritual energy. The shrine grounds contain several such sites, each associated with specific benefits ranging from relationship harmony to spiritual renewal and vitality enhancement. Three particularly notable power spots include:

1. The Husband-Wife Camphor Trees (Meoto Kusu)

Two magnificent trees bound together with a sacred rope (shimenawa), standing side by side in mutual support. Reflecting Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken’s harmonious relationship, these trees are believed to bestow relationship blessings—successful romance, fortuitous connections, and marital harmony—upon visitors who pay their respects.

2. Kiyomasa’s Well (Kiyomasa no Ido)

3. The Turtle Stone (Kame-ishi)

Located in the northernmost area near the Treasure Museum, this turtle-shaped stone sits at what many consider the shrine’s most potent energy center. Unlike the southern precincts associated with healing and relationships, this northern area focuses on spiritual purification and path-clearing energy. The stone derives its power from the turtle’s cultural associations with longevity; touching it (particularly the head portion) is believed to confer health and extended life. In feng shui traditions, turtles also symbolize career advancement and financial prosperity.

A detailed illustrated map showing these power spots is available on the Japan Airlines website. This map indicates the south entrance route from JR Harajuku Station.

The Husband-Wife Camphor Trees are located between points ① and ② near the center, naturally visible en route to the main sanctuary. Kiyomasa’s Well appears to the left of point ③ (indicated by water and bucket illustrations). The Turtle Stone is positioned at the northernmost point ④.

Spiritual Heart of Modern Tokyo

More than a tourist attraction, Meiji Shrine represents the spiritual heartbeat of modern Tokyo. Its continued significance in contemporary Japanese life demonstrates how traditions adapt and remain relevant through changing times. Even as the surrounding Harajuku district celebrates cutting-edge fashion and youth culture, the shrine stands as a reminder that Japan’s identity remains firmly anchored in its spiritual heritage.

A visit to Meiji Shrine offers more than picturesque photo opportunities; it provides a window into Japan’s soul—where reverence for nature, respect for ancestors, and thoughtful ritual create meaning and continuity across generations. In the hushed atmosphere beneath its towering trees, visitors find not just a pause from urban stimulation but an invitation to experience the spiritual dimension that continues to shape Japanese culture.

Essential Visitor Information

Location: 1-1 Yoyogi-Kamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo

Hours: Sunrise to sunset (approximately 5:00 AM – 6:00 PM, varying seasonally)

Admission: Free for main shrine grounds; Inner Garden, Treasure Museum, and Memorial Picture Gallery have separate modest fees

Suggested Time: 60-90 minutes for main shrine; additional 30-60 minutes for special areas

Photography: Permitted in outer areas; restricted during ceremonies and inside certain buildings

Etiquette Note: As an active place of worship, visitors should maintain a respectful attitude, speaking in hushed tones and following shrine etiquette

For those visiting Meiji Shrine, the vibrant heart of Tokyo’s youth culture is just moments away. From the shrine’s Harajuku entrance, a short four-minute walk will bring you to Takeshita Street, where the serene atmosphere of ancient traditions transforms into a colorful explosion of contemporary Japanese culture. This iconic pedestrian street offers the perfect counterpoint to the shrine’s tranquility, showcasing Tokyo’s remarkable ability to balance the timeless with the cutting-edge.Discover our complete guide to Takeshita Street here.