Shibuya Ward, Tokyo. Meiji Jingu" is located a short walk from Harajuku Station and is a famous shrine that attracts many worshippers even on weekdays.
The shrine is so popular that "there is no one in Japan who does not know about it." Recently, it has been gaining popularity among foreign tourists who want to experience Japanese culture.
In this article, I, a Tokyo resident, will tell you what Meiji Jingu Shrine is famous for and whether there is an admission fee to visit the shrine!
Meiji Jingu Shrine is famous for "the highest number of New Year's worshippers
In Japan, there is a custom called "Hatsumode," or New Year's visit to a shrine at the beginning of each year.
Meiji Jingu Shrine" is ranked first in the number of visitors to the shrine for Hatsumode, as it does every year.
In FY2024, 3.19 million people visited the shrine, making it the most visited shrine in the country.
Hatsumode is an event to visit shrines in the New Year to express gratitude for the old year and wish for happiness in the new year. Many people visit shrines only once a year, and Meiji Jingu Shrine is so popular that it is chosen for this precious occasion!
Meiji Jingu Shrine is famous as "the strongest power spot in Tokyo.
Some may wonder why so many visitors come to Meiji Shrine.
The deities of Meiji Shrine are Emperor Meiji and Empress Dowager Shoken.
The shrine also has two large sacred trees called "matrimony camphor trees" beside the main shrine, which are said to bring good luck for "marriage" and "safety in the home". The shrine also has two large camphor trees, called "matrimonial camphor trees" beside the main shrine, which are said to bring blessings for "marriage" and "safety in the home.
The "Kiyomasa-no-ido" in the precincts of the shrine is one of the most famous power spots in Japan, and is said to purify bad things and bring good luck. It is said to purify bad things and bring good luck.
Besides, Meiji Jingu Shrine is surrounded by a forest so rich in nature that you may forget you are in the heart of the city, so it is popular among people who say, "Just by visiting the shrine, I can refresh myself surrounded by nature.
In the vast 700,000-square-meter area, visitors can enjoy forest bathing as "about 100,000 trees" donated from all over Japan were planted at the time of the Meiji Shrine's construction.
Once you step into the building from the "Harajuku Exit" near JR Harajuku Station, you will feel a fresh contrast with the pop young people's town, and you will feel the air change at once.
First, you can visit Meiji Jingu Shrine and be healed by the rich natural environment and power spots, and then stroll around Harajuku, a popular culture spot in Tokyo, and Omotesando, lined with luxurious stores, which are within walking distance. One of the reasons for the popularity of Meiji Jingu Shrine is its convenient location, which makes it easy to make a sightseeing plan.
Admission to Meiji Jingu Shrine is "free."
Admission to Meiji Shrine is "free.
However, admission to the "Meiji Jingu Gyoen" (Meiji Shrine Garden), located within the Meiji Shrine, requires 500 yen.
The "Meiji Jingu Gyoen" is a garden rich in nature and a quiet place to spend time, and it is also home to the famous "Kiyomasa-no-ido" (Kiyomasa well), a popular power spot as mentioned above.
There is an admission fee, but you can enjoy the beautiful Japanese seasonal scenery, so please stop by when you visit Meiji Jingu Shrine.
Meiji Jingu Gyoen
Address: 1-1 Yoyogi-Kamizonocho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Phone:03-3379-5511
Opening hours: 9:00 - 16:00 (8:00 - 17:00 in June)
Fee: 500 yen
Meiji Jingu Shrine's "Popular Spots for Foreign Tourists"
Meiji Jingu" is rich in nature and easily accessible, and is a popular spot for foreign tourists.
Among the Meiji Jingu shrines, the following two are especially popular among foreigners, so please check them out!
1. consecration sake barrel
On the "south approach" just outside the west exit of JR Harajuku Station, straw (empty) barrels of sake donated from all over Japan and wine barrels dedicated from the Burgundy region of France line the street.
It is a very rare sight to see wine barrels dedicated at a shrine, but this is due to the fact that Emperor Meiji, the god of the shrine, was a wine drinker who embraced Western culture.
The sight of the many barrels decorating the walls is quite impressive, and many people stop to take pictures to commemorate the event.
Please come and see for yourself.
2. the largest "Otorii" gate in Japan
Meiji Jingu Shrine has eight torii gates, of which the "Daini-torii" (second torii), which stands at the junction of the southern and northern approaches, is one of the largest wooden torii gates in Japan.
It is 12 meters high, and when seen up close, it is quite impressive.
The torii gate is believed to mark the boundary between the "Shinto" and "mundane" realms, so it is polite to catch your breath and bow lightly when you pass through the gate.
Passing through the torii gate itself signifies entry into the sacred place, and the visit to the shrine begins there.
Remembering that it is a sacred place, please also visit the Otorii, one of the power spots of Meiji Jingu Shrine.
A "Healing Moment" at Meiji Jingu Shrine
Thus, the "Meiji Jingu" shrine, located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, just outside JR Harajuku Station, is one of the most popular and well-known power spots in Japan.
Despite its location in a large city, the large site is rich in nature and offers an atmosphere of negative ions that cannot be experienced at any other tourist spot.
The scenery changes with the seasons, so be sure to visit when sightseeing in Tokyo!
Meiji Jingu Shrine
Address: 1-1 Yoyogi-Kamizonocho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Phone:03-3379-5511
Opening time: between 5:00 and 6:40 (*Varies according to the month,Official Website (See also.)
Closing time: between 16:00 and 18:30 (*Varies according to the month)
Admission: Free
https://www.meijijingu.or.jp/
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