Hokkaido Shrine
北海道神宮
Hokkaido · Sapporo
Independent Ichinomiya Development
Kanpei Taisha
Meiji Shrine
明治神宮
/ Meiji Jingu
Admission
Free (garden: 500 JPY)
Goshuin (Temple Seal)
500 JPY
Access
5 min walk
Hours
Sunrise to sunset (varies by season)
Overview
Meiji Shrine is Japan's most visited shrine, drawing over 10 million worshippers during the New Year period alone. Dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, the shrine sits within a 70-hectare artificial forest in the heart of Tokyo that has matured into a genuine old-growth ecosystem over its century of existence. The forest surrounding the shrine was a deliberate creation: 100,000 trees of 365 species were donated from across Japan and planted by nearly 100,000 youth volunteers. The planners deliberately chose species that would eventually form a self-sustaining climax forest, which the grove has now achieved. The shrine represents the intersection of Shinto with modern Japanese nationalism, built to honor the emperor who presided over Japan's transformation from feudal isolation to industrial modernity. Yet for most visitors today, it functions as a serene urban oasis and a place for life-milestone prayers, particularly hatsumode (New Year) and shichi-go-san (children's celebrations). The wide gravel approach through towering trees, the massive torii gates, and the sudden silence after leaving the bustle of Harajuku create one of Tokyo's most dramatic sensory transitions.
History
Founding
📄
Documented
1920 Source: Imperial Diet resolution and construction records
1920📄Documented
Shrine dedicated with 100,000 donated trees planted to create the forest
1945📄Documented
Original buildings destroyed in Tokyo air raids
1958📄Documented
Current buildings completed through public donations
Enshrined Deities
⛩
Emperor Meiji
primary Deity
⛩
Empress Shoken
primary Deity
Blessings
Shrine Network
Independent head
Did You Know?
💡
The forest was designed to become self-sustaining within 100 years. Scientists have confirmed it has achieved true old-growth status, hosting species not originally planted.
Source: documented
💡
The main torii gate, one of the largest wooden torii in Japan, is made from a 1,500-year-old Taiwanese cypress tree.
Source: documented
💡
Emperor Meiji was a prolific poet. 100,000 of his waka poems were composed during his lifetime, and the shrine uses selections of these for its omikuji (fortune slips) instead of the usual lucky/unlucky format.
Source: documented
💡
The shrine's wine barrel display features barrels of Burgundy wine donated by French winemakers, alongside traditional sake barrels, reflecting Emperor Meiji's role in opening Japan to Western culture.
Source: documented
💡
Despite being in the center of Tokyo's busiest fashion district, the shrine grounds maintain temperatures several degrees cooler than surrounding streets.
Source: documented
In Pop Culture
anime / 2018
Jujutsu Kaisen Meiji Shrine in Tokyo. Some fans associate it with the series' Tokyo settings, though no direct reference exists.
Practical Information
Location Coordinates
35.6764, 139.6993
Physical Address
1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo
東京都渋谷区代々木神園町1-1
Access
Harajuku Station (JR Yamanote Line) / Meiji-jingumae Station (Tokyo Metro)
5 min walk
Hours
Sunrise to sunset (varies by season)
Related Shrines
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上川神社
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帯廣神社
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樽前山神社
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Biei Shrine
美瑛神社
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旭川神社
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Independent Development
Frequently Asked Questions
Information provided by Jinja DB Editorial Team
What is Meiji Shrine?
Meiji Shrine is Japan's most visited shrine, drawing over 10 million worshippers during the New Year period alone. Dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, the shrine sits within a 70-hectare artificial forest in the heart of Tokyo that has matured into a genuine old-growth ecosystem over its century of existence. The forest surrounding the shrine was a deliberate creation: 100,000 trees of 365 species were donated from across Japan and planted by nearly 100,000 youth volunteers. The planners deliberately chose species that would eventually form a self-sustaining climax forest, which the grove has now achieved. The shrine represents the intersection of Shinto with modern Japanese nationalism, built to honor the emperor who presided over Japan's transformation from feudal isolation to industrial modernity. Yet for most visitors today, it functions as a serene urban oasis and a place for life-milestone prayers, particularly hatsumode (New Year) and shichi-go-san (children's celebrations). The wide gravel approach through towering trees, the massive torii gates, and the sudden silence after leaving the bustle of Harajuku create one of Tokyo's most dramatic sensory transitions.
Where is Meiji Shrine located?
Meiji Shrine is located in Shibuya, Tokyo. The full address is: 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo.
What deities are enshrined at Meiji Shrine?
The enshrined deities are: emperor meiji, empress shoken.
What blessings can you pray for at Meiji Shrine?
Meiji Shrine is known for: National Prosperity, Family Safety, Good Fortune, Matchmaking.
How do I get to Meiji Shrine?
The nearest station is Harajuku Station (JR Yamanote Line) / Meiji-jingumae Station (Tokyo Metro). It is about a 5-minute walk from the station.