Meiji Shrine

Meiji Jingū is a Shintō shrine in Yoyogi-Kamizono-chō in Tokyo's Shibuya ward, surrounded by a 170-acre forest containing over 120,000 trees from 365 species. The main path leads through tall wooden gates to a central courtyard, where the principal hall stands in cypress wood with a curved copper roof.

The site was built between 1915 and 1920 as a memorial to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken, who ruled in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. American air raids destroyed the buildings in 1945, but reconstruction followed the original designs and was completed by 1958.

The name honors Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken, who led Japan from a feudal realm into a modern state. Visitors today can still observe traditional wedding ceremonies in the shrine halls, where couples appear in historical dress.

The entrances through Harajuku or Yoyogi stations lead into the forest, from where a wide gravel path runs to the main courtyard. Opening hours vary by season, with early morning access in summer and earlier closing in winter.

The forest was artificially planted and gathered from across the country through donations, with each tree species carefully chosen to create a natural balance. Barrels of sake and wine stand stacked near the entrance as offerings, a custom that shows the link between traditional belief and modern life.

Location: Yoyogi-Kamizonochō

Inception: November 1, 1920

Architects: Itō Chūta

Architectural style: nagare-zukuri

Fee: No

Address: 1-1 Yoyogikamizonochō, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-8557, Japan

Opening Hours: januari 06:40-16:20; februari 06:20-16:50; maart 05:40-17:20; april 05:10-17:50; mei 05:00-18:10; juni 05:00-18:30; juli 05:00-18:20; augustus 05:00-18:00; september 05:20-17:20; oktober 05:40-16:40; november 06:10-16:10; december 06:40-16:00

Phone: +81333795511

Website: https://meijijingu.or.jp

GPS coordinates: 35.67611,139.69917

Latest update: December 14, 2025 21:26