Meiji Shrine, a Magnificent Place to stop by if you are in Harajuku

Are you visiting the Shibuya and Harajuku area? You will find the Chinju-no-mori (forest of the village shrine), located about a 1-minute walk from Harajuku Station. It is a “Michelin 3-star tourist place” of Tokyo and during Hatsumode (New Year’s visit) in Japan it is credited to having the highest number of worshippers. Visiting the Meiji Shrine is said to boost your luck since it is considered as a power spot in Tokyo. It is said that when you go to the Meiji Shrine, you get to feel the soul of Japan! How cool is that? Really awesome! 

Entrance to Meiji Shrine! A commemorative photo in front of the Torii

At the entrance of the Shrine you will find a Torri. It is a barrier that separates the secular world from the shrine where God lives. While you are at the Harajuku Station, you are able see the Torii after crossing the Jingu-bashi bridge. 

You are required to take a bow and pass through the Torii. This is simply lowering your head when entering or leaving the precinct. As you are leaving while you reach right infront of the Torri, you should turn to face the Shrine, bow your head and then pass through the Torii.

As you approach the Shrine, there is the middle part called the Sando and it is considered the pathway of God. You are therefore required to walk by the side of the road. You now continue to walk past the Torii and proceed to the south of the Sando. Here you will find the Otorii, the biggest wooden Torii in Japan.It is the symbol of the Meiji Shrine. You cannot resist but to take a commemorative photo right in front of the Torri. It is a must have! 

Healing Moment at the Nakaniwa (Courtyard)

You will find as you proceed into the Torri, small stones, beautiful special pebbles called "Tamajyari" carefully placed on the ground. Their purpose is to keep the area clean and more importantly they are considered to facilitate healing and bring calmness to you once you walk on them as you proceed to the sacred place where God lives.

At the end of the South Sando, you will find the Imperial Garden (donation of 500 yen for entry). The garden has a small pond, a teahouse and the Kiyomasa-no-ido (well). It has a beautiful winding wooden path that makes it very famous. The season of the sword lilies in Mid-June further increases its fame. It is said that while you are here and you set the Kiyomasa-no-ido as the standby screen on your smart phone, happiness will come to you! How cool is that? Just great!

What a KAWAII Amulet! For Memories of Meiji Shrine 

The amulets of Meiji Shrine are found at the offering booth which is opposite the Kagura Hall. When the Shrine is crowded you can get the amulets at the South Gate. Before receiving the amulet ensure that you have prayed properly to God. Once you receive the amulet, always carry it with you by wearing it or carrying it in your pouch. It is a precious souvenir.

The following are various purposes of the amulet: good health, healing, family well-being, road safety, prosperous business, academic achievement, prayer for school success, job, protection against misfortune, safe trip, matchmaking, good luck, easy child delivery, etc. 

Meiji Shrine is so Spacious! 

You will be required to return to the Sando, walk through the Otori, cleanse your body with water and enter the Shrine. You will then say your prayer at the main hall and receive your amulet from the shrine office.

Meiji Shrine MAP

Fee and Opening Hour 

Worship hour:

• January (6:40 – 16:20)
  
• February (6:20 – 16:50)
  
• March (5:40 – 17:20)
  
• April (5:10 – 17:50)
  
• May (5:00 – 18:10)
  
• June (5:00 – 18:30)
  
• July (5:00 – 18:20)
  
• August (5:00 – 18:00)
  
• September (5:20 – 17:20)
  
• October (5:40 – 16:40)
  
• November (6:10 – 16:10)
  
• December (6:40 – 16:00)
  

Spot Information