Tokyo Meiji Jingu Shrine - Time Travel in Tokyo

Aside from the hustle and bustle in Tokyo, a visit to the Meiji Jingu shrine offers a more relaxing and spiritual experience while in Japan. This Shinto shrine was originally dedicated for the Meiji Emperor, it has recently become one of the most popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo for both Japanese people and foreign travelers.

Time travel in Tokyo, a visit to Meiji Jingu shrine.

- To read about my recommendations of affordable, Reasonable, Convenient hotels in Tokyo, visit: Affordable Cheap Reasonable Hotels in Tokyo

- To read about my recommendations of affordable and reasonable hotels in OSAKA, visit: Osaka Reasonable Affordable Hotels

- To read about my recommendations of reasonable, affordable, and convenient hotels in KYOTO, visit: Kyoto reasonable, affordable, and convenient Hotels

- To read about how to plan your trip to Tokyo, visit Planning for your trip to Tokyo
- To read about where you can find the best Ramen in Tokyo, visit Best Ramen in Tokyo



If your entire day is divided into four parts like how I would plan my trip in Tokyo, I recommend planning your visit to Meiji Jingu shrine in the morning. Save your afternoon for shopping or trend-spotting at the nearby Harajuku and Omotesanto area. 

Arriving at JR Harajuku station on the JR Yamanote line.

JR Harajuku station, Tokyo.

Follow the sign of direction that lead you to the entrance of Meiji Jingu shrine, where you will see see one of the largest Torii in Japan.

Torii at Meiji Jingu shrine, Tokyo.

Walk through a tunnel of forest

Time tunnel leading to Meiji Jingu Shrine, Tokyo.

I believe these are offering of wine and sake.

Offerings of sake barrel at Meiji Jingu shrine, Tokyo.

Barrels of offering.

Offering of sake or wine barrels at Meiji Jingu shrine, Tokyo.

Hand cleansing ritual before entering the actual shrine, a must-do before entering any shrine in Japan. Just repeat what Japanese visitors are doing.

Cleanse ritual before entering Meiji Jingu shrine, Tokyo.

Nice quiet area at the center of Tokyo metropolis.

Popular spots for travelers.

Purchasing a wooden wish plaque (ema) or lucky charm (omamori)

Purchase your omamori souvenir 

Write down your wish or wishes on the wooden plaque

Write down your wishes on the purchased wooden plaque

 Hang and leave it at Meiji Jingue shrine so your wish would soon come true.

Wooden wish plaque at Meiji Jingu shrine

Then enter the main shrine area to pray and make your offering of 5-yen coin to the Kamisama. 

Drop 5 yen coin into the Saisen bako (offering box)

Great place for travel photographers.

Picturesque gate at Meiji Jingu shrine, Tokyo.

If you are lucky, travelers will be able to have the opportunity to see a traditional Japanese wedding.

Traditional Japanese wedding at Meiji Jingu shrine, with modern skyscraper in the background.

Consider joining Viator Meiji Jingu Tours

1. Hello Tokyo Walking Tour: Meiji Jingu shrine, Senso-Ji Temple, Harajuku
2. Panoramic Tokyo Day Tour: Meiji Jingu Shrine, Asakusa Temple and Tokyo Bay Cruise
3. Tokyo Morning Tour: Meiji Jingu shrine, Senso-Ji Temple and Ginza Shopping District

Access to Meiji Jingu shrine

- easy access by JR Harajuku station on JR Yamanote line;

- easy access to by Subway Meijijingumae station on Tokyo Metro Chiyoda line and Fukutoshin line.

Hours

Sunrise to sunset according to the official site.