Visiting the Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo

If you're looking for one of the most peaceful places to visit in Tokyo, Meiji Jingu Shrine is a must-see attraction.

Popularly known as the 'Eternal Forest', the shrine is located within a thick forest in the Shibuya District of Tokyo, in the heart of the bustling metropolis, comprising over 100000 trees spread over an area of 700000 square metres!!

About Meiji Jingu

The shrine is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. Emperor Meiji is considered the most powerful Japanese emperor, credited with the discontinuity of the shogunate and with establishing Japan as an industrial empire.

Entrance to the main shrine

The Meiji Jingu Shrine. Photography beyond this point is strictly prohibited.

One of the exit gates of the shrine

As you walk from the entrance to the main shrine, a majestic, dense forest awaits you, and you encounter many interesting sights. When we visited, a chrysanthemum exhibition was going on, which was great to watch.

Another intriguing display along the path was of empty sake barrels along the

route. These barrels are gifts from sake brewers across Japan to honour the spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.

Once you enter the shrine, you can collect Gashuin, a spiritual keepsake obtained from Shinto shrines in Japan for a nominal sum. You can also buy Ema, a prayer plaque to tie around the camphor trees near the main shrine. Visitors write their prayers and wishes on Ema and hang them to invoke the blessings of the deity.

Rows of Ema prayer plaques at the shrine

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Things to know before visiting Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo

• The shrine is free to visit

• Plan to spend at least 2 hours soaking in the calmness of this tranquil paradise.

• Opening hours are from sunrise at 5:00 am to 6:30 pm in the summer. Winter timings are 5:00 am to 4:00 pm.

• Like most other shrines in Japan, the best time to visit is in the wee hours of the morning when the crowds are absent

• The shrine is located between Shibuya and Shinjuku. It is a 23-minute ride on the JR Yamanote Line from the Tokyo Main Station. You have to get off at the Harajuku Station and then walk for about 10 minutes to the south entrance.

• Since you will have to walk through the forest to reach the shrine, wear comfortable shoes. En route, there is a stop for refreshments and like everywhere else in Japan, you will find perfectly clean public toilets in the shrine area.

• Although the shrine is free to visit, some attractions within the shrine's precinct are paid for, like the Inner Garden, the Meiji Jingu Museum, and the Treasure Museum.