Tucked inside a dense, serene forest right in the middle of one of the busiest cities in the world is a place that somehow feels worlds away. Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu) is more than just a popular tourist spot-it’s a place where time slows down, where tradition breathes, and where the spiritual energy of Japan gently surrounds you.
We visited Meiji Shrine during our return to Tokyo in summer 2025, and it ended up being one of the most unexpectedly beautiful experiences of our trip.
A Sacred Place Surrounded by Nature
Meiji Shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, two pivotal figures in Japan’s modernization during the late 1800s. The shrine itself is nestled within Yoyogi Park, surrounded by a vast man-made forest of over 100,000 trees donated from all across Japan.
As soon as you step through the towering torii gates at the entrance, you’re transported into a totally different environment. The sounds of the city fade away. The gravel paths, tall trees, and earthy silence bring such a deep sense of calm-something you don’t expect to find right next to bustling Harajuku or Shibuya.
Our Visit: Traditional Weddings, Sake Barrels, and Tranquility
We’ve been to shrines and temples before, but this visit hit differently. During our visit, we had the rare privilege of witnessing not one but two traditional Japanese weddings taking place at the shrine.
It was truly beautiful to watch. The brides were dressed in classic white kimono, with ornate headpieces, walking slowly in solemn procession under bright red ceremonial umbrellas. The grooms and their families followed behind, led by a Shinto priest and shrine maidens. It was peaceful, respectful, and emotional to witness-like stepping into a moment frozen in time.
Before we even got to the main shrine buildings, we stopped at one of the most striking visual spots near the entrance-the long rows of sake barrels, known as kazaridaru. They’re stacked high and wrapped in brightly colored straw, donated by sake brewers from across Japan. These barrels are offered to the deities of the shrine as a symbol of respect, celebration, and prosperity.
It’s such a cool, unexpected sight-right next to a forest path-and a reminder of how tradition and everyday life are so deeply connected in Japan. It’s also one of the most photographed spots at Meiji Shrine, and for good reason. It’s vibrant, cultural, and uniquely Japanese.
Even with the small crowd of other visitors watching quietly or passing by, the area felt calm. Watching those weddings unfold reminded me why I love traveling-these are the moments you can’t plan, but that stay with you long after you’ve left.
Ema Boards: Wishes Hanging in the Breeze
One thing I always love doing at shrines is pausing by the ema boards-those wooden plaques where people write their wishes, hopes, or prayers and hang them up under the shrine's pavilions.
We stopped and read some of them during our visit. Messages written in dozens of languages, from all corners of the world. Some simple. Some heartfelt. Some joyful. Some clearly written through tears. It’s always humbling to read through them-proof of how connected we all really are, even when we’re strangers.
If you’re visiting and want to write your own ema, you can purchase a blank plaque for a small donation and write your wish using the pens provided. It’s a simple but beautiful way to leave a piece of yourself behind in Japan.
How to Get to Meiji Shrine.
Situated just steps from Harajuku Station (JR Yamanote Line, Omotesando Exit) and Meiji-jingumae Station(Chiyoda/Fukutoshin Line, Exit 2), Meiji Shrine is surrounded by a tranquil forest despite being at the heart of the city. Once you enter, it’s a serene 10–15 minute walk through peaceful gravel paths to the main shrine.
Meiji Shrine is super easy to access, especially if you’re already in the Harajuku or Shibuya area.
Here’s how to get there:
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From Harajuku Station (JR Yamanote Line) – Use the Omotesando Exit. The main shrine entrance is just a 1–2 minute walk across the street.
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From Meiji-jingumae Station (Chiyoda Line / Fukutoshin Line) – Use Exit 2. The shrine is right outside the station.
Once inside the park, it’s about a 10–15 minute peaceful walk along a gravel path to reach the main shrine buildings. Wear comfortable shoes and be ready for a calm, shaded stroll that feels nothing like the city surrounding it.
What to Know Before You Go
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Admission is free. There’s no entry fee to visit the grounds or shrine buildings.
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The inner garden has a small fee if you want to explore more (especially beautiful during iris season).
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The main shrine buildings are open from sunrise to sunset.
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Please be respectful-this is still an active place of worship. Photos are allowed in most areas, but not during ceremonies.
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Team tip: Get there earlier in the day to beat the crowds and feel the serenity of the space before the tour groups roll in.
Meiji Shrine is one of those places you could easily miss if you're focused on Tokyo’s bright lights and trendy neighborhoods—but I’m so glad we made the time to visit (and revisit). It reminded me of the quiet depth that Japan holds, even in its biggest, loudest city.
Whether you’re into history, spirituality, culture, or just want a moment of peace, Meiji Shrine is a must-see in Tokyo. Take the walk, breathe the forest air, admire the sake barrels, read a few ema messages, and if you're lucky, you might just catch a moment of ceremony and tradition that stays with you long after you’ve left.
It’s more than a stop on a tourist checklist-it’s a memory in the making.
